If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and packed with umami, let me introduce you to this Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of luscious creaminess and the subtle, savory depth of miso, all brought together with tender butter beans and vibrant spinach. This dish is not only a breeze to prepare but also feels special enough to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a cozy dinner side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to add delightful layers of flavor, smooth texture, and fresh color. You don’t need a long shopping list—just simple pantry staples and fresh produce that come together effortlessly.
- Olive oil: The perfect base to gently sweat the shallots and bring out their sweetness.
- Shallots: Their mild onion flavor adds a subtle aromatic profile that warms the dish.
- Garlic: A quick burst that enhances depth with just a hint of pungency.
- Butter beans: Creamy and tender, these are the heart of the recipe providing satisfying richness.
- Vegetable stock: Brings moisture and a delicate savory touch to the beans.
- White miso paste: The magic ingredient that adds umami and a gentle saltiness.
- Whole cream or coconut cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture that defines this dish.
- Baby spinach: Adds fresh color and a tender green bite when wilted.
- Sea salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and elevate all flavors.
- Lemon juice: A bright, acidic note to lighten the creaminess and refresh the palate.
- Fresh dill (optional): A fragrant, herbal garnish that complements the beans and cream beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallots
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pot. Once hot, add the thinly sliced shallots and cook them gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to become translucent and soft but not browned. This step is essential because it lays down a sweet, tender foundation that will gently flavor the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Garlic releases its wonderful aroma very quickly, so let it cook only for 30 seconds. This brief sauté ensures the garlic becomes fragrant without turning bitter, giving the whole dish a nicely rounded note.
Step 3: Simmer the Beans with Miso
Add the rinsed butter beans, vegetable stock, and the white miso paste to the skillet. Stir well until the miso is completely dissolved, infusing the broth with its savory essence. Let this mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, which is when the dish takes on its signature creamy texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Seasonings
Stir in the packed baby spinach, sea salt, and ground black pepper. The spinach will wilt quickly and add a lovely fresh element to the creamy beans. Remove the pan from heat as soon as the spinach softens. Finally, add the lemon juice which cuts through the richness with a perfect burst of brightness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
The last touch is optional but highly recommended: sprinkle chopped fresh dill over your creamy beans. Its herbal fragrance beautifully complements the dish’s deep flavors. Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread to scoop up every silky bite.
How to Serve Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is a lovely, fragrant addition to top off the buttery beans, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for a little extra kick. These simple garnishes provide contrast and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy crusty bread that soaks up the creamy sauce, or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice to turn it into a more substantial meal. Light, crisp salads with acidic dressings also complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this creamy miso butter beans recipe in small bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side. You can also spoon it over roasted vegetables or grilled tofu for an inviting vegan entree. Its velvety texture and savory depth lend themselves well to many creative presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover creamy miso butter beans in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen even more, making the next-day experience just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in a suitable freezer-safe container for up to one month. Since it contains cream, the texture might slightly change upon thawing, but a good stir and gentle reheating will bring it back to lick-your-plate-good status.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it back to that irresistible creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While butter beans provide a creamy texture that works wonderfully here, cannellini or great northern beans are excellent substitutes. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly if you’re using fresh beans.
Is white miso paste essential?
Yes, miso paste is key for that signature umami flavor that sets this dish apart. If you can’t find white miso, mild yellow miso can work, but avoid darker varieties as they can overpower the delicate balance.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Totally! Simply swap the whole cream for full-fat coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative, and make sure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly to keep everything plant-based and delicious.
How can I make this recipe less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter texture, reduce the amount of cream or use vegetable stock alone. You could also puree a portion of the beans for a thicker, less creamy consistency that still feels indulgent.
What can I serve with this dish to make it a full meal?
To round this dish into a satisfying meal, add protein like grilled chicken or tempeh, and serve with a side salad or roasted root vegetables. The creamy miso butter beans act as a luscious, flavorful accompaniment that enhances everything on your plate.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe enough if you love dishes that hit all the right comfort food notes but with a fresh, elegant twist. It is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and satisfies both plant-based eaters and cream lovers alike. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again for its creamy, savory goodness.
Print
Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Miso Butter Beans is a comforting and savory dish combining tender butter beans simmered in a flavorful blend of white miso paste, vegetable stock, and cream. Enhanced with fresh spinach, garlic, shallots, and a hint of lemon juice, this easy-to-make skillet recipe offers a creamy texture and umami richness that makes it perfect as a light meal or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1/2 cup whole cream or coconut cream
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
- Simmer Butter Beans and Miso: Pour in the rinsed butter beans, vegetable stock, and white miso paste. Stir continuously until the miso paste dissolves completely. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to reduce slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream: Stir in the whole cream or coconut cream, and continue simmering the mixture for another 5 minutes to thicken and become creamy.
- Wilt Spinach and Season: Add the baby spinach, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Cook just until the spinach wilts, then remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the dish. Serve the creamy miso butter beans hot, ideally with slices of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut cream for whole cream to make this dish dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- White miso paste is milder and sweeter than darker miso; feel free to adjust quantity based on your taste preference.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice to complete the meal.
- Optional fresh dill adds a bright herbaceous note but can be omitted if unavailable.
