This Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, comforting dish. The tender butter beans, sautéed leeks, and savory herbs create a rich, aromatic flavor profile that’s elevated with a touch of white wine and melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and ideal for a light dinner or side dish.

Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Pantry-Friendly: With canned beans and common vegetables, you can whip up this dish without a special trip to the store.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is full of plant-based protein and flavor, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians.
One-Pan Cooking: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can (about 15 oz) drained cannellini beans (or other white beans like butter beans, navy beans, or great northern beans)
1 leek, cleaned and finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig rosemary, minced
1 sprig thyme, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter
¾ cup vegetable broth
30g (about 1 ounce) cheddar cheese, shredded
15g (about ½ ounce) vegetarian pecorino cheese, grated
Juice and zest of half a lemon
Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat to prevent burning.
Add the finely sliced leek, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant. Keep the heat low to avoid browning the vegetables.

2. Combine Beans and Broth:

Add the drained beans, vegetable broth, and seasoning (salt and pepper) to the pan.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt smoothly into the mixture.
Cook for another 8-10 minutes, allowing everything to heat through and for the flavors to meld together.

3. Finish with Pecorino and Seasonings:

Grate the pecorino cheese over the mixture and stir it in.
Squeeze in the lemon juice and zest to brighten up the dish. Add more seasoning if needed.
Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the dish immediately with slices of crispy bread on the side, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–40 minutes

Variations

Other Beans: You can substitute the cannellini beans with any white beans, such as butter beans or navy beans.
Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, try using dried herbs or substitute with fresh basil or oregano.
Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can use parmesan instead of pecorino, or skip the cheese for a lighter version.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, sausage, or a poached egg on top.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen leeks?

Yes, you can use frozen leeks if fresh leeks aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving, and it may even taste better the next day as the flavors develop.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast.

Conclusion

This Flavorful Butter Beans with Leeks dish is simple, comforting, and full of flavor. With tender beans, savory leeks, and a rich broth, it’s a satisfying meal that can stand alone or be paired with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!