Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe

Introduction

This flavorful butter beans dish with leeks is a comforting and savory meal perfect for any time of year. Creamy beans combined with aromatic herbs, melted cheeses, and a splash of white wine create a rich and satisfying flavor that’s sure to please. It’s quick to prepare and makes a hearty side or main course.

Ingredients

• 1 can drained cannellini beans
• 1 leek
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 30g cheddar cheese
• 15g vegetarian pecorino cheese
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• Handful of parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add butter to a saucepan and melt it over low heat to prevent burning. Once melted, add finely sliced leeks, sliced garlic, a sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant, keeping the heat low to avoid browning.
2. Step 2: Pour in the white wine and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will deglaze the pan and add depth to the dish’s flavor.
3. Step 3: Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly. Cook everything together for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and well combined.
4. Step 4: Grate the vegetarian pecorino cheese over the mixture. Add more seasoning if needed. Squeeze in the lemon juice and zest, then sprinkle the chopped parsley on top to add freshness and color.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with slices of crispy bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese alternatives or omit the cheese entirely.
• Try using fresh thyme and rosemary if available, as they provide a brighter, more intense flavor than dried herbs.
• Adding a pinch of chili flakes during cooking can give the dish a subtle spicy kick.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the mixture a little longer to reduce the liquid before serving.

Storage

Store leftover butter beans with leeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the dish has thickened too much. It’s best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with butter beans, Great Northern beans, or even chickpeas depending on your preference.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, steamed rice, or even a simple green salad to balance the creamy richness.

Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe

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This flavorful butter beans recipe with leeks is a hearty and aromatic vegetarian dish that combines creamy cannellini beans with the delicate sweetness of sautéed leeks, garlic, fresh herbs, and a melty blend of cheddar and vegetarian pecorino cheeses. Enhanced with white wine, vegetable broth, and fresh lemon zest, it offers a vibrant and comforting meal perfect for serving with crusty bread.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Beans and Vegetables

• 1 can drained cannellini beans
• 1 leek, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 sprig rosemary, diced
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• Handful of parsley, finely chopped

Liquids and Fats

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth

Cheeses

• 30g cheddar cheese
• 15g vegetarian pecorino cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat to prevent burning. Add the finely sliced leeks, sliced garlic, sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant, ensuring the heat stays low to avoid browning.
2. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This step deglazes the pan and adds depth to the flavors.
3. Combine Beans and Stock: Add the drained cannellini beans and vegetable broth to the pan along with salt and pepper. Stir in the cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the mixture. Cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the dish is well incorporated and heated through.
4. Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings: Grate the vegetarian pecorino cheese over the beans. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Squeeze in the juice and add the zest of half a lemon to brighten the flavors. Finally, scatter finely chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the flavorful butter beans immediately, ideally accompanied by slices of crispy bread to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!

Notes

• Use low heat when sautéing to prevent the butter and leeks from browning, which maintains the gentle sweetness of the vegetables.
• Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as it imparts flavor to the dish.
• Vegetarian pecorino cheese can be substituted with any hard vegetarian cheese if unavailable.
• This recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• For a vegan variation, omit the butter and cheeses and use olive oil and a plant-based cheese alternative.

Keywords: butter beans, cannellini beans, leeks, vegetarian recipe, stovetop, cheesy beans, Mediterranean flavors, easy vegetarian meal