Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe
This recipe for Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks offers a creamy, cheesy, and herb-infused dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender cannellini beans are simmered with aromatic leeks, fresh garlic, and herbs, deglazed with white wine, and enriched with sharp cheddar and vegetarian pecorino cheeses. Finished with a touch of lemon zest and fresh parsley, this dish pairs beautifully with crispy bread for a satisfying vegetarian option rich in flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Butter Beans:
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp white wine (dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 leek (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp butter (preferably unsalted, e.g., Kerrygold)
- 30g sharp cheddar cheese (finely grated)
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed well)
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
For Finishing:
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
- 1 handful fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 15g vegetarian pecorino cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add butter to a saucepan and melt it over low heat to prevent burning. Once melted, add thinly sliced leeks, minced garlic, a sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes on low until the leeks are soft and fragrant, being careful not to brown them.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and let it cook for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan, enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish.
- Combine Beans and Stock: Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the mixture is heated through.
- Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings: Grate vegetarian pecorino cheese over the dish, adjust seasoning to taste, and then add the lemon juice and zest. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for freshness and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter beans immediately with slices of crispy bread on the side to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor when deglazing.
- Ensure the heat is low during sautéing to avoid burning the leeks and garlic.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
- Vegetarian pecorino can be substituted with Parmesan if vegetarian pecorino is unavailable.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter and cheeses with vegan alternatives.
Keywords: butter beans, leeks, vegetarian, creamy beans, quick dinner, stovetop recipe, cannellini beans, cheesy beans, herb-infused beans
