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Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe

Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring creamy cannellini beans cooked slowly with aromatic leeks, garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of cheddar and vegetarian pecorino cheeses. Finished with a bright touch of lemon and fresh parsley, this savory recipe makes a perfect hearty side or light main course, ideal for vegetarian diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (about 400g) drained cannellini beans
  • 1 leek, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 sprig rosemary, diced
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons white wine
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable broth
  • 30g cheddar cheese
  • 15g vegetarian pecorino cheese
  • Juice and zest of half a lemon
  • Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan to prevent burning. Add the finely sliced leeks, sliced garlic, sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the leeks become soft and fragrant, ensuring the heat remains low to avoid browning.
  2. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step deglazes the pan, lifting up all the flavor-packed bits from the bottom and enhancing the dish’s depth.
  3. Combine Beans and Stock: Add the drained cannellini beans and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir in the salt and pepper for seasoning. Next, incorporate the cheddar cheese and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the mixture is heated through and well blended.
  4. Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings: Grate the vegetarian pecorino cheese over the mixture. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Add the lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh herbal finish.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the butter beans immediately, ideally alongside slices of crispy bread which pair wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal as a comforting vegetarian option.

Notes

  • Use low heat when melting butter and cooking leeks to avoid browning and bitterness.
  • White wine can be substituted with a splash of lemon juice or extra vegetable broth if preferred.
  • Vegetarian pecorino cheese is used here to keep this recipe vegetarian-friendly; regular pecorino can be substituted if not needed.
  • For a vegan variation, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over cooked grains for a more filling meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter beans, cannellini beans, leeks, vegetarian, cheesy beans, quick dinner, comfort food, easy vegetarian recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/flavorful-butter-beans-with-leeks-recipe/