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Greek Butter Bean Stew

Featured in Hearty and Delicious Meals.

This Greek Butter Bean Stew is a Mediterranean comfort dish that brings together creamy butter beans, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The beans are slowly simmered with onions, garlic, and red peppers in a rich tomato sauce infused with oregano, cinnamon, and bay leaf. The dish gets its distinctive Greek character from the crumbled feta cheese topping, which adds a perfect tangy finish. Taking just 10 minutes to prep and about an hour to cook, this stew develops deep flavors while remaining incredibly simple to make. It's vegetarian-friendly and can easily become vegan by skipping the feta cheese. The result is a hearty, nutritious meal that serves 6 people generously.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:44:49 GMT
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This rustic Greek butter bean stew transforms humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that warms both body and soul. The velvety butter beans swim in a rich tomato broth infused with Mediterranean herbs, creating layers of flavor that deepen with each spoonful. When topped with crumbled feta, the stew achieves that perfect balance of creamy and tangy that Greek cuisine is famous for.

I discovered this recipe during my travels through small Greek villages, where I learned from local grandmothers that the secret lies in allowing the beans to slowly absorb the herb-infused broth. The patience required is rewarded with incredible depth of flavor.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Butter beans: Bring their signature creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. Look for canned beans that feel firm when gently pressed
  • Fresh tomatoes: Should be ripe but still firm, with deep red color and no soft spots
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Needs to be high quality as it forms the flavor foundation
  • Greek oregano: Differs from Italian with its more earthy, peppery notes
  • Quality feta: Should be stored in brine and crumble easily

Creating Your Stew

Aromatics Foundation:
Gently warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it shimmers. Add diced onions and watch them slowly turn translucent while releasing their natural sweetness. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals the start of something wonderful.
Bean Integration:
Once your aromatics have softened, introduce the butter beans to their new home. Let them get acquainted with the flavored oil before adding the broth. This crucial step allows the beans to absorb the developing flavors rather than just swimming in them.
Flavor Building:
Pour in your tomatoes and herbs, then reduce the heat to create a gentle simmer. This is where patience becomes your greatest ally. The slow cooking allows every ingredient to contribute its unique character to the final dish.
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Best Greek Butter Bean Stew | recipebyme.com

My family particularly loves the butter beans in this dish. My grandmother always said they're like little pillows of comfort, and watching my children devour them with the same enthusiasm brings joy to my heart.

Mediterranean Magic

The combination of herbs and olive oil creates an aromatic base that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This stew embodies the Mediterranean approach to cooking – simple, fresh ingredients treated with respect and patience.

Flavorful Adaptations

Consider swapping butter beans for gigantes beans when available. Their larger size creates an even more substantial dish. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.

Keeping Your Stew Fresh

Store this comfort in airtight containers in the refrigerator where it will continue developing flavor for up to five days. The stew thickens naturally as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

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Close-up Greek Butter Bean Stew Recipe | recipebyme.com

After years of making this stew, I've learned that it's more than just a recipe – it's a reminder that the simplest ingredients, treated with care and patience, can create something truly memorable. The way it fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and brings people together around the table makes it a treasured part of my cooking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop further. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
→ What can I serve with Greek Butter Bean Stew?
Crusty bread, rice, or Greek salad make perfect accompaniments. For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve with warm pita bread and a side of olives.
→ Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, but soak dried beans overnight and cook them separately until tender before adding to the stew. This will add about 1-2 hours to your cooking time.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Leave out the feta cheese and add it fresh when serving after reheating.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The stew is just as delicious without cheese.

Greek Butter Bean Stew

A warm and comforting Greek Butter Bean Stew simmered with tomatoes and herbs, topped with creamy feta cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 Extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon
02 1 onion, chopped
03 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
04 1 red pepper, sliced
05 1-2 sprigs fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
06 800g (28oz) canned tomatoes
07 200ml (1 cup) vegetable stock
08 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
09 1 bay leaf
10 800g (28oz) canned butter beans, drained
11 80g (½ cup) feta cheese
12 Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)

Step 02

Heat the olive oil in a deep pan. Add the chopped onion and red pepper, cooking over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the pressed garlic and fresh oregano, cooking for one more minute until fragrant

Step 03

Add the canned tomatoes, vegetable stock, bay leaf, cinnamon, and drained butter beans with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven

Step 04

Cook covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking for 40 minutes more. Adjust salt to taste if needed

Step 05

Finish by scattering crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving

Notes

  1. Allow plenty of cooking time for the best flavor development and sauce consistency
  2. For an authentic Greek version, try using gigantes beans instead of butter beans. Cannellini beans work well too
  3. The feta cheese can be omitted to make the dish vegan

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep oven-safe pan with lid
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (from feta cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 176
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 9 g