Butter Beans Alla Vodka

Butter Beans Alla Vodka is my ultimate weeknight go-to when I want something cozy, quick, and a little indulgent! This dish takes the classic vodka sauce we all know and love and gives it a vegan twist with buttery, tender white beans.

The creamy tomato sauce, simmered with just the right hint of heat, wraps each butter bean in rich, velvety goodness. Made with vegan heavy cream, it’s silky, rich, and packed with bold flavors that pair beautifully with the butter beans. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast and a hefty pinch of salt bring everything together, making it hard to resist grabbing a second (or third) spoonful.

Trust me, this comforting bean dish is perfect for those long days when you need something warm and satisfying!

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is - you can enjoy it straight out of the pan with a side of crusty, garlic-rubbed toast or roasted vegetables. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s the kind of easy meal that feels just a little fancy.

This dish has all the vibes of Italian-American cuisine, but with a plant-based twist that’s lighter and healthier. Who needs pasta when you’ve got beans this good?

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Vegan Butter - This is the base for that creamy richness! Choose a high-quality vegan butter to make the sauce extra luxurious.
• Olive Oil - Adds depth and smoothness to the dish. Pick a good one - this is where flavor shines!
• Red Onion - Finely dice it for a sweet, mellow flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves - Mince it finely! It’s the aromatic hero here, bringing a savory kick to the sauce.
• Vodka - Yes, vodka! It’s key to emulsifying the sauce and bringing out all those bold flavors, but don’t worry - the alcohol cooks off.
• Tomato Paste - This gives the sauce its concentrated tomato goodness. Look for a rich, smooth puree to keep things silky.
• Tomato Passata - The perfect complement to the puree for a luscious, velvety tomato base. Make sure it’s smooth and high-quality for the best results.
• Vegan Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream - This is what makes the sauce irresistibly creamy! If using coconut cream, go for full-fat for that rich texture, but you might get a hint of coconut flavor. You can also use a dash of full-fat coconut milk.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) - Totally your call! Add a pinch if you want just a hint of heat, or leave it out if spice isn’t your thing.
• Butter Beans - Aka lima beans! These are the star of the show! Drain and rinse them well so they stay creamy and don’t bring extra liquid to the sauce.
• Nutritional Yeast - Adds a cheesy, umami-packed finish without any dairy. Don’t skip it - it’s the perfect topping for this dish! Alternatively, you can also sprinkle the dish with grateable Vegan Parmesan.

For Serving:

• Toasted Sourdough or Roasted Vegetables - Perfect sides to scoop up all that creamy vodka sauce goodness. Go for crusty bread or veggies with a nice roast for the ultimate pairing.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

🔪 Equipment

Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:

• Large Skillet - You'll need this to sauté everything. Go for one with a wide base to give the butter beans plenty of room to soak up the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula - A silicone spatula is perfect because it won't scratch your pan and helps scrape up every bit of sauce.
• Medium Saucepan - Great for simmering the vodka sauce evenly. Pick one with a sturdy handle for easy pouring!
• Can Opener - Essential for opening the tin of butter beans. Make sure it works smoothly - no one likes struggling with a can halfway through cooking.
• Colander - Use this to drain and rinse the butter beans. A smaller colander works fine since you’re just dealing with one can.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Melt vegan butter and olive oil in a pan. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic.

Step 2: Add Vodka

Pour in vodka and simmer for a few minutes until reduced.

Step 3: Create Tomato Base

Stir in tomato puree and passata. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 4: Add Cream and Beans

Mix in vegan cream and butter beans. Heat through and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with nutritional yeast. Serve with bread or roasted vegetables.

🍽️ Serving

Serve your Butter Beans Alla Vodka warm and cozy! Spoon it into bowls and top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy kick.

Pair it with some crusty bread like sourdough to scoop up all that creamy tomato sauce. Roasted veggies? Perfect sidekick! This comforting bean dish is just as good on its own. Simple, hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-creamy!

❄️ Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! They’re even better the next day after a healthy simmer.

Store your Butter Beans Alla Vodka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

When it’s time to reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir often so the creamy tomato sauce stays smooth. If it feels a bit thick, just add a splash of water or vegan cream to bring it back to life. Enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil or a hefty pinch of salt for extra flavor.

🔜 Related Recipes

If you’re loving this Butter Beans Alla Vodka recipe, you’ve got to check out my Hearty Butter Bean Stew for a cozy, protein-packed meal or my Creamy Butter Bean Curry for a rich and flavorful twist on comfort food. Trust me, these dishes are just as simple and satisfying!

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Butter Beans Alla Vodka

Romy

These Butter Beans Alla Vodka is a creamy, vegan twist on the classic vodka sauce - rich, velvety, and packed with flavor! Made with tender butter beans swimming in a rich, silky tomato vodka sauce with just a pinch of heat. Quick & satisfying - and perfect with crusty bread or roasted veggies, it's the ultimate cozy meal for any day of the week!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, vegan

Servings 2 servings

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 Can Opener
• 1 Colander

Ingredients

  

• 1 can butter beans

For the Vodka Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons vegan butter (30g) unsalted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup vodka (120 ml)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup tomato passata
• 1 cup vegan double cream (250 ml) or coconut cream
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Serving:

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Place a large skillet on medium heat. Melt the vegan butter and add the olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the diced red onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Pour the vodka into the pan. Stir gently and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the liquid reduces by about half. This step helps to bring out the flavors in the sauce.
• Add the tomato puree and tomato passata to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Gently stir in the vegan cream, ensuring it blends smoothly with the tomato base. Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the pan. Mix everything together and allow the beans to heat through. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the dish for a cheesy, savory flavor. Serve the Butter Beans Alla Vodka warm, either on its own or with toasted sourdough bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Serving - These butter beans are perfect for cozy nights in! Serve it warm with crusty bread like sourdough to scoop up all that creamy tomato goodness. Roasted veggies make a fantastic sidekick, or enjoy it solo for a satisfying, comforting meal. Fancy a garnish? Sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, or an extra dash of nutritional yeast for a pop of flavor.
• Storage - Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. This dish holds up well, so it’s just as tasty the next day.
• Reheating - Warm it gently on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened a bit in the fridge, no worries - just add a splash of vegan cream to bring it back to its silky best.
• Tips for Success - Use a good-quality vegan butter and olive oil for that rich, luscious base. If you’re into a little heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes, but keep it mild if spice isn’t your thing. And don’t skip the nutritional yeast - it’s the secret to that cheesy, umami-packed finish!
• Make it Your Own - Want to add a little twist? Toss in some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty kick. Or, if bread isn’t your thing, serve it over a bed of steamed greens or quinoa for something different but equally delicious!

Keyword butter beans, butter beans alla vodka, vegan vodka sauce, vodka tomato sauce

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