Creamy butter beans, also known as lima beans, are versatile and can be prepared in various delicious ways. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making creamy butter beans with different flavors and techniques.

1. Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 small shallots (diced) or 1 large
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter
• 30 ounces canned butter beans (2 cans, with liquid)
• ¼ cup vegan cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 cups spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Combine Beans: Add the butter beans with their liquid to the pot, stirring to combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Add Creaminess: Stir in vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Spinach: Turn off the heat and fold in the spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper before serving warm with toasted bread[1].

2. Simple Creamy Butter Beans with Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups dried butter beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 medium carrots (finely diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (finely diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Beans: Soak dried butter beans overnight, then drain.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute before adding onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook until tender.
3. Cook Beans: Stir in soaked beans, oregano, bay leaves, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30-40 minutes until tender.
4. Mash for Creaminess: Mash a few beans to thicken the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and stir in chopped parsley before serving[2].

3. Quick Creamy Butter Beans with Hummus

Ingredients:

• Drizzle of olive oil
• 3 large cloves garlic (sliced)
• ½ pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans (drained, reserving liquid)
• 2 tablespoons hummus
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale
• Zest of half a lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute.
2. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the reserved bean liquid, then add hummus, lemon juice, spinach, and butter beans. Cook until spinach is wilted.
3. Season: Finish with lemon zest and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving[3].

These recipes highlight the creamy texture of butter beans while incorporating various flavors that enhance their natural taste. Enjoy these dishes as sides or main courses!