Arrabbiata Butter Beans
These Arrabbiata Butter Beans are a bold and spicy twist on your favorite beans! The tender butter beans are simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with a fiery kick of red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1-2 teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 cans Butter Beans 480g drained weight
- 1 can Chopped Tomatoes 400g
- 1 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 handful Fresh Basil chopped
For the Garlic Crisps:
- 3 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- Olive Oil for Frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Freshly Toasted Bread
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it's warm, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until the onion turns soft and translucent. This is the base of your sauce, so take your time - don’t rush it!
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Stir everything together so the spices coat the onions and garlic. Now add the tomato paste and mix well. Let it cook for a minute to bring out its rich, tangy flavor.
- Drain and rinse your butter beans, then add them to the pan. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and give it all a good stir. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the beans to soak up all the spicy, tomatoey goodness.
- While the beans are simmering, it’s time to make the garlic crisps. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and heat a splash of olive oil in a small pan over low-medium heat. Add the slices to the hot oil and fry them gently. Watch closely—they’ll turn golden and crispy in no time. Once they’re done, transfer them to a paper towel to drain.
- When the beans are ready, stir in most of the chopped fresh basil. Save a few leaves for garnish. Give everything a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the spicy butter beans into bowls. Top with your crispy garlic slices and the reserved basil leaves. Serve them on their own or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Dig in and enjoy those bold flavors!
Notes
- Serving - These Arrabbiata Butter Beans are best served warm and cozy in a bowl. Pair them with crusty bread for scooping up all that spicy, tangy sauce. Add a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side for a complete meal.
- Storage - Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating - To reheat, warm the beans gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems a little thick, just add a splash of water to loosen things up.
- Spice Level - Love it hot? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes when serving. Prefer it milder? Stick to a smaller amount while cooking and skip the extra sprinkle.
- Garlic Crisps - Don’t skip the garlic crisps - they add amazing crunch and flavor that truly completes the dish. Fry them slow and low to avoid burning!
- Fresh Basil - Stirring fresh basil into the sauce at the end adds a pop of brightness that balances out the heat. Save a few leaves for garnish - they make the dish look extra special!
- Pan Choice - Use a wide, deep pan to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. This helps the butter beans soak up all the saucy goodness!