Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food: Caramelised Onion Butter Beans. This crave-worthy dish transforms humble pantry staples into a gorgeously creamy, savory medley layered with sweet caramelised onions and silky coconut cream. It’s fuss-free, budget-friendly, and wildly delicious—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or an impressive side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Depth of Flavor: Slowly caramelised onions create an irresistibly sweet, savory base that makes every bite of butter beans pop.
- Creamy, Cozy Texture: Coconut cream brings a luscious, dairy-free richness that makes this dish so comforting you’ll want seconds.
- Pantry Staple Magic: You can whip up Caramelised Onion Butter Beans with just a few basic, affordable ingredients you probably already have!
- Naturally Vegetarian & Adaptable: It’s meat-free, easy to make vegan, and can be customized for spice lovers or picky eaters alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that the best dishes start with simple, quality ingredients. Each element—onion, butter beans, spices, and a dreamy splash of coconut cream—pulls its weight to create bold flavor, creamy texture, and gorgeous color in every serving.
- Butter: The secret to truly luscious, golden brown onions—don’t skip it!
- Onions (3 small): Finely sliced and slow-cooked, these deliver all the caramelized sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Adds a gentle aromatic warmth; use fresh garlic for best results.
- Tomato Puree: Concentrated umami and a touch of acidity brighten up the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: This smoky spice gives the dish its sultry depth and color.
- Curry Powder: A blend of fragrant spices that makes everything pop with flavor.
- Butter Beans (canned): Creamy, tender, and protein-packed—use the liquid for extra body.
- Coconut Cream: Pure, thick coconut cream gives the sauce richness and a hint of tropical sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Just a splash at the end lifts and balances all the earthy-sweet flavors.
- Sliced Spring Onion: For topping—adds crunch, freshness, and a splash of green.
- Salt: Absolutely essential to draw out every bit of flavor from your ingredients.
Variations
Don’t be shy—make this Caramelised Onion Butter Beans recipe truly your own! With just a few swaps or additions, you can tailor it to your pantry, spice tolerance, or any whimsy you’re craving today.
- Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based butter instead of dairy to keep all that creamy, dreamy richness sans animal products.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced fresh chilli in with the spices for a warming kick.
- Switch the Beans: Try cannellini or chickpeas if butter beans aren’t handy—the sauce works wonders with nearly any legume.
- Add Greens: Wilt in a handful of spinach or kale just before serving for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
How to Make Caramelised Onion Butter Beans
Step 1: Caramelise the Onions
Melt butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Toss in your sliced onions with a pinch of salt, and cook them gently—stir often and don’t rush! The slow magic of caramelisation brings out a deep sweetness and will give your Caramelised Onion Butter Beans their signature flavor base.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Add the chopped garlic, tomato puree, smoked paprika, and curry powder to the pan. Let them cook for about two minutes, stirring all the while. This helps the spices and garlic release their aromas and flavor the onions beautifully.
Step 3: Add Butter Beans and Coconut Cream
Pour in the can of butter beans, liquid and all (or water if you prefer). Immediately add your coconut cream. Stir everything well, then let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes—just enough for the flavors to marry and the sauce to turn irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Finish with Lime and Serve
Right at the end, stir in the lime juice for a burst of brightness. Give everything a final taste for salt. Scoop your Caramelised Onion Butter Beans into bowls and scatter with plenty of spring onion for crunch, color, and a little zing.
Pro Tips for Making Caramelised Onion Butter Beans
- Low and Slow Caramelisation: Take your time with the onions—don’t rush the process. Slow cooking (at least 15-20 minutes) is what coaxes out all the gorgeous sweetness and depth.
- Butter Bean Liquid Bonus: Using the liquid from the can adds creaminess and helps the sauce cling to every bean, making your dish extra luscious.
- Welcome Acidity: Always add lime juice right at the end—never earlier—as it preserves its bright citrus zip and fresh flavor punch.
- Taste and Season: Every brand of tomato puree and curry powder is a little different, so always taste and adjust salt and seasonings before serving your Caramelised Onion Butter Beans.
How to Serve Caramelised Onion Butter Beans
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing sprinkle! Sliced spring onions are a must—they cut through the creaminess and bring a pop of color plus a crisp, fresh bite. For a flavor boost, try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a little extra smoked paprika, or even crunchy fried garlic chips!
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, spoon your Caramelised Onion Butter Beans over toasted sourdough, fluffy steamed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Warm naan, pita, or any crusty bread is fantastic for scooping up all that saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beans piled high in shallow bowls for rustic charm, or spread them thickly on crostini for stunning party bites. For a family-style meal, nestle them on a platter alongside grilled vegetables and salad for a vibrant, hearty spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Caramelised Onion Butter Beans cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—sometimes they taste even better after the flavors meld overnight!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion cooled beans into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture, then reheat gently to preserve their creamy sauce.
Reheating
Warm desired portions in a saucepan over low heat, stirring as needed and adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
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Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them according to package instructions first. Once tender, use them as you would canned beans—and add water or vegetable broth in place of the can liquid.
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How can I make Caramelised Onion Butter Beans vegan?
Swap the regular butter for your favorite plant-based alternative. All other ingredients are naturally vegan, so your dish will taste just as rich and satisfying!
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What can I use instead of coconut cream?
Full-fat coconut milk works in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. For a different flavor, try heavy cream or a thick plant-based cream if you’re not a coconut fan.
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Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a large skillet or pot. Caramelising a bigger batch of onions may take a bit more time, but it’s so worth it for a crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings pure comfort in every bite, you have to try Caramelised Onion Butter Beans. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and a total flavor bomb—absolutely perfect for sharing around your table or savoring bowlfuls all to yourself. Give them a try and let them become a new go-to in your kitchen repertoire!
Print
Caramelised Onion Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramelised Onion Butter Beans are a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The caramelized onions add a rich sweetness to the buttery beans, while the coconut cream brings a creamy and tropical twist. With a hint of lime juice for brightness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Caramelised Onion Butter Beans:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 small onions, finely sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 30g tomato puree
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 400g can butter beans
- 100ml coconut cream
- 2 tsp lime juice (about 1/2 small lime)
- Salt
For Topping:
- Sliced spring onion
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a medium frying pan over a medium heat, add butter. Once melted, add the sliced onion and a good pinch of salt. Cook until the onions have caramelized.
- Add Flavors: Add chopped garlic, tomato puree, smoked paprika, and curry powder. Cook for two minutes, stirring often.
- Prepare the Beans: Pour in the butter beans along with their liquid. If preferred, add 50ml of water instead of the liquid.
- Simmer: Add the coconut cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lime juice, top with sliced spring onion, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
