Greek Butter Bean Stew

Greek Butter Bean Stew is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Creamy butter beans are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, herbs, and olive oil, resulting in a stew that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead meal, this dish captures the essence of Greek flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. Tender butter beans, aromatic herbs, and a tangy tomato base combine to make a stew that’s hearty, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this stew offers versatility, nutrition, and authentic Mediterranean taste.

• Simple and wholesome: Uses pantry staples for a healthy, filling meal.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
• Mediterranean flavors: Infused with garlic, herbs, and olive oil for authentic taste.
• Versatile: Can be served with crusty bread, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Understanding the nutrition behind your meals can help you enjoy them mindfully. Greek Butter Bean Stew is rich in plant-based protein and fiber while being low in fat, making it a filling, healthy, and heart-friendly option for any meal.

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 12g

Time Breakdown

With a clear prep and cook schedule, this recipe is easy to plan for busy nights. From chopping vegetables to simmering the stew, the step-by-step timing ensures a flavorful dish is ready in under an hour without any stress.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 40–45 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this stew comes from combining simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients. From butter beans and tomatoes to garlic, herbs, and olive oil, each component plays a key role in creating a savory, balanced, and aromatic dish.

• 2 cups cooked butter beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Keeping a concise grocery list makes shopping simple and efficient. All the essential ingredients for this Mediterranean stew can be found easily at any grocery store, allowing you to focus more on cooking and less on preparation.

• Butter beans (canned or dried)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes
• Vegetable broth
• Lemon
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking this stew is straightforward with clear steps that guide you from sautéing aromatics to simmering beans in a flavorful sauce. Each step is designed to ensure maximum flavor while maintaining the creamy texture of the butter beans.

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Add beans and broth: Stir in butter beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
4. Season and finish: Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with bread, rice, or grains.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Flexibility is key in cooking. This section highlights alternative ingredients and flavor variations, from different types of beans to adding greens or spices, allowing you to customize the stew to your taste or dietary needs.

• Beans: Cannellini or navy beans work as substitutes for butter beans.
• Greens: Add spinach or kale toward the end for extra nutrition.
• Spices: Experiment with fresh oregano or a dash of cumin for a different flavor profile.
• Protein: Add crumbled feta on top for a traditional Greek touch.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Butter Bean Stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over rice, grains, or with crusty bread, or garnish with feta and olives to elevate the dish for special occasions. Presentation and pairing ideas make it easy to enjoy this stew any way you like.

• Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
• Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
• Top with crumbled feta or olives for extra Greek flavor.
• Combine with roasted vegetables for a hearty, plant-based dinner.

Storing Tips

Proper storage ensures your stew remains flavorful and fresh. Whether refrigerating for a few days or freezing for longer-term storage, these tips help maintain the creamy texture and rich taste of the stew.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple stew can go wrong without attention to detail. Overcooking beans, skipping seasoning, or simmering too quickly can affect texture and flavor. This section highlights common pitfalls and how to avoid them for perfect results every time.

• Overcooking beans: Especially if using canned beans, simmer just enough to heat through.
• Too much liquid: Keep the stew thick and saucy but not watery; adjust broth as needed.
• Skipping seasoning: Lemon juice, salt, and herbs are essential for bright, balanced flavor.

Chef’s Special Tips

Professional tips elevate this simple stew to restaurant-quality. From gently toasting herbs to adjusting acidity with lemon juice, these insider tricks enhance flavor, aroma, and presentation.

• Toast spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding tomatoes to release maximum aroma.
• For richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.
• Simmer gently—low heat allows flavors to meld without beans breaking apart.

Conclusion

Greek Butter Bean Stew is a simple, nutritious, and delicious dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Creamy beans, aromatic herbs, and tangy lemon combine to create a comforting stew that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. With easy ingredients and flexible variations, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking hearty vegetarian meals.

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