Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans: Guide, Recepies

What Are Butter Beans?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about butter beans themselves. These large, white beans are part of the legume family and are also known as lima beans in some areas. They have a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor when cooked, making them perfect for slow cooking.

Ingredients for Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans

The ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find, but they create a dish full of flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups dry butter beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparing Butter Beans for Cooking

Before we start slow cooking, you need to properly prepare the butter beans. Soaking them overnight helps reduce cooking time and ensures that they cook evenly. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before adding them to the slow cooker. If you forget to soak them overnight, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for 3 minutes, then letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour before draining.

How to Cook Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans

This dish relies on the slow cooker’s ability to gently cook the beans until they’re tender and creamy, with minimal effort from you. Follow these steps:

1. Add Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the soaked butter beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and seasonings (paprika, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt) to taste.
2. Set and Wait: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender. The slow cooking process will infuse the beans with the flavors from the garlic, onion, and herbs.
3. Make It Creamy: Once the beans are fully cooked and tender, stir in the heavy cream and butter. This will give the dish its signature creamy texture. Let it cook on low for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cream and butter to fully incorporate.
4. Final Touches: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the dish. Add more salt or seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Slow Cooker Butter Beans

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 4-5 hours

Beans should be tender but not mushy, so be sure to check them toward the end of the cooking time.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans

• Soaking beans: Always soak your beans overnight or perform a quick soak if you don’t have time.
• Broth choice: For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. You can even make your own broth from scratch for an extra boost of flavor.
• Creamy texture: For an even creamier texture, you can mash some of the beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, here are a few tips:

• Use low-fat cream: Substitute heavy cream with light cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Skip the butter: Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter to reduce fat content.
• Add more veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach.
• Control the salt: Opt for low-sodium broth or use fresh herbs instead of salt for flavor.

Serving Suggestions: First and Second Courses

First Course: Butter Bean Soup

If you want to serve the butter beans as a starter, you can blend them with a little more broth to create a creamy soup base. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a light appetizer.

Second Course: Creamy Butter Beans with Roast Chicken

For a heartier main dish, serve the butter beans alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. It makes for a well-balanced meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

Variations of Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans

Feel free to get creative with your butter beans! Here are a few variations:

• Spicy Butter Beans: Add a diced jalapeño or chili flakes for some heat.
• Herb-Infused Butter Beans: Try different herbs like basil, oregano, or sage to alter the flavor profile.
• Smoked Butter Beans: Add smoked sausage or smoked paprika to give the beans a savory depth of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans

• Not soaking the beans: This can lead to undercooked beans that are tough and gritty.
• Overcooking the beans: Beans can turn mushy if you leave them in the slow cooker for too long, especially when using the high setting.
• Skipping the cream: The creamy texture is a key part of the dish. Make sure to add the cream and butter to get that rich, velvety feel.

How to Make Creamy Butter Beans in Other Appliances

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this dish in a pressure cooker, stovetop, or even the oven. Here’s how:

• Pressure Cooker: Cook soaked beans on high for about 30 minutes. Stir in the cream and butter afterward.
• Stovetop: Cook the beans in a large pot with the broth over medium heat for 1-1.5 hours, until tender. Add cream and butter at the end.
• Oven: After soaking the beans, cook them covered in a large Dutch oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5-2 hours. Add the cream and butter at the end.

Caloric Information

A serving of creamy slow cooker butter beans (1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 230-250 kcal
• Fat: 10-15 grams (depending on the cream and butter used)
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Protein: 8 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams

How to Reheat Leftovers

Creamy slow cooker butter beans are great for leftovers. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. If they’ve thickened up too much, add a bit more broth or water to loosen them.

15 FAQ about Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Beans