Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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