Description
This Butter Bean Puttanesca is a flavorful and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy butter beans simmered in a robust sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies (optional). It combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy elements to create a satisfying vegetarian main course that can also accommodate non-vegetarian preferences. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe balances protein-rich butter beans with classic puttanesca flavors, served topped with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Base
- 2 cups cooked butter beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
- 4 anchovy fillets (optional, for non-vegetarian version)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this point and stir.
- Add Capers, Olives, and Anchovies: Stir in the drained capers, chopped Kalamata olives, and anchovy fillets if using. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the anchovies to dissolve into the sauce base.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the can of diced tomatoes along with the tomato paste and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Butter Beans: Gently fold the cooked butter beans into the tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to heat through for another 5-7 minutes so the beans absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with an optional topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Add anchovies only if you are not vegetarian; they provide umami and depth to the sauce.
- Use canned butter beans for convenience, but freshly cooked beans offer a creamier texture.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit entirely for a mild dish.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or grains for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
