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Butter Bean Puttanesca

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This creative twist on the classic Italian Puttanesca swaps out pasta for creamy butter beans, delivering a satisfying and wholesome dish that’s lighter yet still packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy lunch the next day, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

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  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 anchovy fillets (omit for a vegan version)
  • 1 large red onion, peeled and finely sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced
  • 50 g capers
  • 1 medium red chili, deseeded (or 1 tsp dried chili flakes)
  • 70 g pitted Kalamata olives (50% whole, 50% halved)
  • 1 (400 g) tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp sugar or honey (to balance acidity)
  • 1 jar of butter beans (include their bean stock)
  • A small bunch (15 g) of fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
  • Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the anchovy fillets (if using) and cook for 2 minutes until they reduce and melt into the oil. Stir in the sliced onions, adding another tablespoon of olive oil if needed to coat them well. Sauté until caramelized and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Build the Flavor Base: Add the garlic, olives, chili, and capers to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to release their flavors.
  • Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and 1/2 tsp of sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Let the mixture simmer over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes. Add the butter beans along with their stock, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the salty ingredients already used.
  • Serve and Garnish: Divide the Puttanesca into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a vegan version, omit the anchovies and use a bit of seaweed or miso paste for extra umami flavor.
  • You can adjust the amount of chili to suit your heat preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easyfoodflash.com/butter-bean-puttanesca/