Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe

Introduction

This flavorful butter beans with leeks recipe makes a comforting and hearty meal that’s simple to prepare. Creamy beans combined with tender leeks and aromatic herbs create a rich, satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 can drained cannellini beans
• 1 leek
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 30g cheddar cheese
• 15g vegetarian pecorino cheese
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• Handful of parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add butter to a saucepan and melt it over low heat to prevent burning. Once melted, add finely sliced leeks, sliced garlic, a sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft and fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine and let it cook for another 2 minutes to deglaze the pan and develop flavor.
3. Step 3: Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.
4. Step 4: Grate the vegetarian pecorino cheese over the mixture. Add lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors, then scatter the chopped parsley on top.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with slices of crispy bread for a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute cannellini beans with butter beans or great northern beans for a different texture.
• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth if you prefer meat-based stock.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but warms up nicely.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure to soak and cook the fresh beans fully before adding them to the recipe, as fresh beans require much longer cooking times than canned ones.

What can I serve with butter beans and leeks?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread, steamed greens, or a simple salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

A creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans cooked with aromatic leeks, garlic, and fresh herbs. Enhanced with melted cheddar and vegetarian pecorino cheeses, brightened by lemon zest and juice, this comforting recipe is perfect served warm with crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Vegetables

• 1 can drained cannellini beans
• 1 leek, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 sprig rosemary, diced
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Liquids and Fats

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth

Cheeses

• 30g cheddar cheese
• 15g vegetarian pecorino cheese

Additional Flavorings

• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• Handful of parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Add butter to a saucepan and melt it over low heat to prevent burning. Once melted, add finely sliced leeks, sliced garlic, a sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant, ensuring the heat remains low to avoid browning.
2. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to deglaze the pan and deepen the flavors of the dish.
3. Combine Beans and Stock: Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the mixture. Cook everything together for another 8 to 10 minutes until well incorporated and heated through.
4. Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings: Grate the vegetarian pecorino cheese over the mixture. Add extra salt and pepper to taste, squeeze in the lemon juice, add lemon zest, and scatter finely chopped fresh parsley on top to brighten the flavors and add freshness.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter beans immediately, ideally accompanied by slices of crispy bread to complement the creamy, cheesy sauce. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!

Notes

• Use low heat when sautéing leeks to avoid browning, which keeps flavors delicate.
• White wine can be substituted with a dry vermouth or additional vegetable broth if preferred.
• The cheeses add richness, but you can adjust quantities or omit if desired for dietary preferences.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with oil and use plant-based cheeses.

Keywords: butter beans, cannellini beans, leeks, vegetarian recipe, cheesy beans, stovetop recipe, easy dinner