Let’s be honest, the humble butter bean sometimes leaves a lot to be desired in comparison to other beans, and more often than not, they’re the can left neglected at the back of the pantry. However, paired with the right ingredients and given a little appreciation, butter beans can be a suprisingly versatile addition to your weekly menu. The Happy Foodie fans will not be surprised to discover that a chef who makes the most of the butter bean is Ottolenghi. They make an appearance across many Ottolenghi cookbooks, whether whipped up into dips, added to salads, or used to bulk out stews.
We think it’s time to give butter beans the appreciation they deserve, and what better way to get you inspired than with a collection of our favourite Ottolenghi butter bean recipes. Read on to discover four recipes to get you cooking with butter beans this week.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Butterbean Mash with Muhammara
Muhammara is a sweet and nutty dip featuring red peppers and walnuts, that pairs perfectly with a creamy butter bean mash rich with garlic and thyme. Make in advance for an easy meal, side, or decadent snack.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Fried Butterbeans with Feta, Sorrel and Sumac
Lightly fried, golden brown butter beans make up the bulk of this gorgeous springtime dish, topped with feta, sorrel and sumac to add a delicious sharpness. Swap sorrel for spinach and extra lemon juice if getting hold of it is proving difficult.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Bkeila, Potato, and Butter Bean Stew
Bkeila (sometimes called pkaila) is a flavoursome condiment made by cooking down spinach in oil for hours to create a flavoursome oil that packs a punch. This recipe makes use of a much easier to make version but it still adds a gorgeous flavour to this rustic stew filled with large butter beans and waxy potatoes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve with lemon.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Portobello Steaks and Butter Bean Mash
A butter bean mash, blended with lemon juice, is the perfect pairing for these mouthwatering portobello steaks. The secret to this dish is the blend of spices and slow-roasted chillies that cook down into a rich flavoured oil that can be spooned over the mash and mushrooms to finish off the dish perfectly.
