Rustic Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe: A Zesty Italian Classic

Comfort meets bold Mediterranean flavors in this hearty butter bean puttanesca that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Packed with robust ingredients, the recipe brings together tangy olives, bright tomatoes, and creamy butter beans.

Salty capers and zesty herbs dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of taste.

The dish emerges as a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on depth or complexity.

Briny and rich, this puttanesca transforms simple butter beans into a spectacular centerpiece.

Warm crusty bread alongside makes this meal complete and irresistible.

Prepare to savor every satisfying bite of this Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Butter Bean Puttanesca with Bold Flavors to Try

• Quick and Hassle-Free Baking: Dump cakes are the ultimate shortcut dessert that requires minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Toss ingredients into a baking dish without complicated mixing or measuring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Combines the classic flavors of apple pie and snickerdoodle cookies into one irresistible treat. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert cravings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold as a next-day snack. The cake transforms beautifully and tastes amazing at different temperatures, making it super adaptable for any occasion.

What Goes Into a Flavorful Butter Bean Puttanesca

• Butter Beans: Creamy white beans that provide a hearty base and protein for the dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and vibrant component that creates the rich sauce foundation.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and developing deep flavor profiles.

• Onions: Sweet and savory base that caramelizes to add depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Anchovy Fillets: Salty element that melts into the oil and adds umami undertones.

• Capers, Olives: Briny and tangy ingredients that contribute a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Chili: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and providing a bright finish.
• Sugar or Honey: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a rounded taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty and rich finishing note.

How to Make Butter Bean Puttanesca at Home

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Drop in anchovy fillets and let them dissolve into the sizzling oil.

Toss in sliced onions, adding extra olive oil if needed. Saute until the onions turn golden and translucent, creating a rich, caramelized base.

Step 2: Build Explosive Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Sliced olives
• Chopped chili
• Briny capers

Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the ingredients to release their intense aromas and meld together.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Sensation

Fold in chopped tomatoes and a touch of sugar to balance the tangy notes.

Let the mixture bubble and simmer, developing deep, complex flavors. Gently add butter beans with their stock, stirring to combine.

Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously rich.

Step 4: Dress and Serve with Flair

Transfer the puttanesca into serving bowls.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, drizzle with olive oil, and dust with grated Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Grab some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this incredible sauce.

Helpful Tips for a Perfect Butter Bean Puttanesca

• Mash anchovy fillets completely into the oil to distribute their rich, umami taste throughout the entire dish.
• Add garlic last during aromatics stage and stir quickly to avoid burning, which creates a bitter taste.
• Simmer sauce uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken, creating a more concentrated flavor profile.
• Adjust chili quantity based on personal spice tolerance – use fresh or dried chilies for different heat intensities.
• Drain butter beans gently to preserve their delicate structure and prevent mushy consistency when cooking.

Variations to Spice Up Butter Bean Puttanesca

• Vegan Butter Bean Puttanesca: Replace anchovy fillets with miso paste or capers for umami flavor. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain rich, savory profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add harissa paste or smoked paprika for extra heat. Include roasted red peppers and swap some olives for sun-dried tomatoes to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for additional protein. Top with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, reduce capers and olives quantity. Select low-sodium vegetable broth and skip added salt, letting natural ingredients provide seasoning.

What to Serve Alongside Butter Bean Puttanesca

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the puttanesca sauce. The wine's acidity and tannins will balance the saltiness of the olives and anchovies.
• Serve with Crisp Sourdough Bread: Select a hearty, crusty sourdough that can soak up the flavorful sauce. The bread's slight tanginess will enhance the dish's complex taste profile and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan. The salad's bright, crisp notes will cut through the sauce's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Proper Storage for Butter Bean Puttanesca

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer the butter bean puttanesca to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.
• Warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain the sauce's rich texture.

FAQs

• What are butter beans, and can I substitute them with another type of bean?

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are creamy, smooth, and mild-flavored. You can replace them with cannellini or great northern beans for a similar texture and taste.

• Is this dish vegetarian if I skip the anchovies?

Yes, you can omit the anchovies to make the dish vegetarian. The olives, capers, and chili will still provide plenty of robust flavor.

• How spicy is this Puttanesca, and can I adjust the heat level?

The recipe uses chili for a mild to moderate heat. You can reduce the amount of chili for less spiciness or add more for extra kick. Remove seeds from the chili to lower the heat intensity.

Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe

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• Total Time: 54 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this butter bean puttanesca, a zesty Italian-inspired dish dancing with olives, capers, and rich tomato sauce. Hearty legumes meet bold flavors, promising a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 jar butter beans (including bean stock)
• 1 (400 grams / 14 ounces) tin chopped tomatoes
• 70 grams / 2.5 ounces pitted Kalamata olives
• 6 anchovy fillets

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large red onion, peeled and finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced
• 1 medium red chili, deseeded
• 50 grams / 1.8 ounces capers

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey
• 15 grams / 0.5 ounces fresh parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (alternative to fresh chili)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, gently dissolving anchovy fillets for 2 minutes until they melt into the oil’s surface.
2. Introduce sliced onions, sautéing until they transform into golden, translucent ribbons of flavor, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate garlic, olives, chili, and capers, stirring vigorously to awaken their aromatic essences for 2 minutes.
4. Add chopped tomatoes with a touch of sugar, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 35 minutes, creating a rich, concentrated sauce.
5. Gently fold butter beans and their liquid into the simmering sauce, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the consistency thickens.
6. Perform a final seasoning assessment, balancing the existing salt elements with any necessary adjustments.
7. Transfer the vibrant puttanesca into serving bowls, adorning with fresh parsley, a graceful olive oil drizzle, and optional Parmesan cheese shavings.
8. Accompany the dish with crusty bread to capture every last drop of the robust sauce.

Notes

• Adjust anchovy intensity by reducing or omitting them for a vegetarian version, maintaining deep umami flavors through extra capers and olives.
• Select high-quality butter beans with creamy texture, preferably fresh or well-drained canned varieties to ensure optimal sauce absorption.
• Control sauce thickness by extending simmering time or adding pasta water if the consistency becomes too dense during cooking.
• Enhance dietary flexibility by replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan adaptations or using gluten-free bread for serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 44 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg