Description
This flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy cannellini beans cooked with aromatic leeks, garlic, and fresh herbs. Enhanced with sharp cheddar and vegetarian pecorino cheeses, and brightened with lemon juice and zest, it makes a perfect warm side or light main paired with crispy bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Butter Beans:
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
- 2 tbsp white wine (dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 leek (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 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
- 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 the thinly sliced leeks, minced garlic, a sprig of thyme, and diced rosemary. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant without browning.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and cook for another 2 minutes to deglaze the pan, allowing the alcohol to cook off and flavors to deepen.
- Combine Beans and Stock: Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the mixture. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until everything is well heated and incorporated.
- Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings: Grate the vegetarian pecorino cheese over the beans, then add lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish. Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, ideally with slices of crispy bread on the side to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce. Enjoy this warm, hearty meal fresh.
Notes
- Use low heat when sautéing leeks to avoid browning and to bring out their natural sweetness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mash some of the beans slightly before adding the cheddar cheese.
- Dry white wine enhances flavor—substitute with white grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
- Vegetarian pecorino can be replaced with any hard vegetarian cheese if unavailable.
- Serve with crusty or toasted bread for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
