Description

Spicy, smoky, and creamy, these harissa butter beans come together in under 30 minutes for a hearty meal or flavorful side. Serve with crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, plant-based dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust for spice preference)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build Flavor: Stir in tomato paste, harissa paste, paprika, and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes to enhance the smoky flavors.
Simmer the Beans: Add drained butter beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
Finish & Serve: Stir in lemon juice, season with salt and black pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Creamier Texture: For a thicker, more velvety sauce, blend half the beans before adding them back to the pan. This creates a rich, stew-like consistency while keeping some whole beans for texture.

Mild Version: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the harissa to 1 tablespoon and increase the paprika for a smoky depth without too much heat. You can also stir in a spoonful of yogurt or coconut cream for a creamy, cooling contrast.

Extra Heat: Love spicy food? Add an extra tablespoon of harissa paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Turn It into a Stew: For a heartier meal, add a can of diced tomatoes and an extra ½ cup of vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 more minutes to develop deeper flavors.

Best Serving Ideas: Enjoy with crusty bread, pita, or flatbread for dipping. Serve over couscous, quinoa, or rice for a filling meal, or pair with grilled meats and roasted vegetables for added texture.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion into containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Method: Simmering
Cuisine: North African, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: ~280
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 12g

Keywords: harissa butter beans, spicy butter beans, easy vegan dinner, smoky butter beans, plant-based protein