Essential Everyday · 130 g
Essential Everyday Butter Beans
What it is
These are large, creamy white beans, often referred to as lima beans in other regions. They are typically sold dried or canned, with the canned variety offering convenience for quick meal preparation. The beans have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, buttery texture when cooked. They are a versatile pantry staple, ready to be incorporated into a wide range of dishes. The Essential Everyday brand ensures a consistent quality for home cooks.
How people cook with it
Butter beans are a fantastic addition to both simple and complex recipes, providing substance and a pleasing texture.
- Added to stews and soups
- Mashed into dips
- Mixed into salads
- Served as a side dish
When using canned butter beans, it is best to rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any canning liquid. This helps to improve their flavor and texture. They can then be added directly to hot dishes like casseroles, curries, or pasta sauces. For cold applications, such as salads or dips, they can be used as is after rinsing. If you are cooking dried butter beans, they will require soaking overnight and then simmering until tender before use in any recipe.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to smaller beans like cannellini or navy beans, butter beans are significantly larger and possess a softer, more yielding texture. Their flavor is also distinct, being milder and subtly sweeter, which makes them blend well with other ingredients without overpowering them.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a convenient and mild-flavored legume will find these butter beans useful.
How to keep the rest
After opening a can, transfer any unused butter beans to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator and consume the beans within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. Properly stored, they will maintain their quality for a short period.