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This butter beans recipe draws inspiration from the traditional Greek dish shrimp saganaki, which features shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and feta cheese. Saganaki refers to the type of pan used to cook the dish, typically a two-handled frying pan made of heavy materials like cast iron or copper. While saganaki is commonly associated with fried cheese, it is also used for seafood dishes like shrimp or mussels saganaki.
In this version, canned butter beans are used, cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Fresh dill and parsley add a burst of herby flavor, making this dish hearty and refreshing. Even non-bean lovers will enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe!
Using an oven-proof sauté pan with two handles, this butter beans saganaki closely resembles the traditional saganaki dish.
Butter beans saganaki is a comforting dinner option, perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. Leftovers are equally delicious and can be enjoyed for breakfast with eggs or spread on toasted sourdough. Pack some in your lunchbox for a nutritious protein boost.
👩🍳 You might also enjoy these Mediterranean recipes: Greek roasted potatoes, herby and lemony chickpea soup, Persian salad, Greek quinoa breakfast bowl, or this couscous salad.
What You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need for this butter beans saganaki recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- The foundation of flavour: olive oil, onion, and garlic.
- Spices and seasonings: salt, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and sweet paprika.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes.
- Sweetener: Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan alternative).
- Main ingredients: Butter beans, feta cheese (or goat cheese for vegan option), and Kalamata olives.
- Fresh herbs: fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon wedges.
How To Make Butter Beans Saganaki
Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos.
- Prep: Chop and dice all the ingredients.
- Sauté the veggies: Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet, cook onion with salt, add garlic.
- Make the sauce: Add spices, honey, cherry tomatoes, canned tomatoes, simmer until thick.
- Combine and grill: Mix in beans, olives, dill, top with feta, broil in the oven.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with herbs, serve with lemon and bread.
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Recipe Tips
- You can substitute butter beans with cannellini beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based feta cheese or skip the cheese.
- Enhance flavor with smoked paprika or cumin.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Pair with a side salad, quinoa, or rice for a complete meal.
- Chili flakes and honey add depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve butter bean saganaki with crusty bread, pita, grilled fish, rice, or a fresh side salad. Enjoy leftovers with eggs or spread on toast for breakfast. Pack some for a nutritious lunch.
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This butter beans saganaki recipe is inspired by the traditional Greek shrimp saganaki. The beans are cooked in a rich and flavourful tomato sauce with refreshing notes of dill and parsley and the salty finish of feta cheese. Enjoy as a vegetarian main or as a side dish, spread it on toast or serve with eggs for a Mediterranean breakfast.
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook until soft (about 7 minutes), then add sliced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make the Sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, dried oregano, honey and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 30 seconds to a minute, stirring through. Add diced canned tomatoes and season with another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir and simmer (uncovered) for 8-10 minutes until some liquid evaporates and the tomato sauce thickens a bit.
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Combine and grill: Fold in the butter beans and olives, then add a few sprigs of dill. Top with crumbled feta and place the skillet under the hot broiler (grill in the oven) for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly. This step is optional as the beans are technically ready to eat and you can serve with feta without grilling the top.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with more fresh dill and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.Enjoy this flavourful and hearty butter bean saganaki with some crusty bread or a side dish to fish, rice or potatoes.
You can freeze the dish without the feta cheese for up to 2 months. Freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat on the stove, and add fresh feta and herbs before serving.
Make-ahead tips: You can make the sauce and beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and add fresh herbs and feta before serving. Broil just before serving to refresh the dish.
Serving: 6servings | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 799mg | Potassium: 329mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 936IU |