Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

Lemon Garlic Butter Beans: A Recipe to Win Over Bean Skeptics

If you’ve got bean haters in your life, this lemon garlic butter beans recipe might just be the game-changer you need. Creamy, zesty, and packed with flavor, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. I’m pretty confident it’ll convert even the staunchest bean skeptics—trust me, it’s that good! Here’s how to whip up this vibrant, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive side.Why You’ll Love This RecipeThis dish combines the rich creaminess of butter beans with the bright, tangy notes of lemon and the savory depth of garlic and nutritional yeast. Toss in some roasted zucchini and fresh basil, and you’ve got a bowl of pure comfort that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it with toasted sourdough for a hearty meal or as a side to complement your favorite protein. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 zucchini

• 1 onion

• 5-6 cloves of garlic

• 1 lemon

• 2 cans of butter beans (400mL or 13.5 fl oz each)

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 75g firm tofu (2.5 oz)

• 1/2 cup water

• Pinch of salt

• Bunch of fresh basil leaves

• Toasted bread (sourdough is my fave!) to serve

Instructions

1. Prep Your Veggies: Start by thinly slicing the zucchini and onion. Peel and mince 5-6 garlic cloves (go big on garlic for that bold flavor!). Cut the peel off half of the lemon and slice it into thin strips—these will add a delightful zesty kick.

2. Roast the Zucchini: Toss the zucchini slices in 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper. If you’re using an air fryer, cook at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping a couple of times to prevent burning. For oven users, roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for golden, slightly crispy zucchini.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a good non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir often until they soften and turn translucent. After a few minutes, toss in the minced garlic and lemon strips, continuing to stir to release their fragrant magic.

4. Prep the Beans: Drain and rinse two cans of butter beans. Set aside 2/3 cup of the beans for the sauce—you’ll use these to create a creamy, dreamy texture.

5. Blend the Sauce: Turn the heat under the frying pan to low. In a blender, combine about 1/3 of the sautéed onions and lemon strips from the pan, the reserved 2/3 cup butter beans, 75g firm tofu, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, a pinch of salt, the juice of the entire lemon, and 1/2 cup water. Blend until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the secret to the dish’s rich, velvety texture!

6. Combine and Simmer: Add the remaining butter beans to the frying pan with the onions. Pour in the sauce from the blender and stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

7. Add the Finishing Touches: Finely chop a bunch of fresh basil leaves. Remove the pan from the heat, and get ready to plate up!

8. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the creamy butter bean mixture into bowls, top with the roasted zucchini, and sprinkle with the chopped basil for a burst of freshness. Serve with toasted sourdough bread for dipping and scooping up all that deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect as a standalone meal, especially with a slice of crusty toasted sourdough to soak up the creamy sauce. It also works wonderfully as a side dish alongside grilled veggies, a simple green salad, or your favorite protein. Want to make it extra fancy? Drizzle with a touch of olive oil or sprinkle with some chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of roasted zucchini, creamy butter beans, and the tangy, garlicky sauce creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The nutritional yeast and tofu add a subtle umami depth without overpowering the dish, while the fresh basil and lemon keep things bright and lively. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a gathering

So go ahead and give this lemon garlic butter beans recipe a try. I’m betting it’ll win over even the pickiest eaters in your crew! Have you got any bean skeptics to convert? Let me know how this dish goes down in your kitchen! Happy cooking! and check out the Ultimate Vegan Cookbook below for more incredible recipes!