Dr Mobeus
Tomato and Butter Bean Stew
Butter beans are one of the most underrated tins in the supermarket. At around 65p a tin they are cheap, creamy and genuinely filling. This stew costs 60p a portion and has the kind of rich, deep flavour that makes you think it cooked for hours. It didn’t. Smoked paprika is doing most of the heavy lifting here – a single teaspoon transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes distinctly Mediterranean.
Total cost: £2.40 (£0.60 per portion) – Serves 4 people. Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 20 mins
Tomato and Butter Bean Stew
A thick, warming stew that tastes like it simmered for hours but is ready in 25 minutes. Butter beans are creamy and substantial - this feels like a much more expensive meal than it is.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika and oregano. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and drained butter beans. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Stir through the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve in bowls with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations
A dollop of creme fraiche or natural yoghurt on top adds creaminess. This freezes perfectly – make a double batch. If you have any leftover chorizo, fry a few slices at the start for extra smokiness.
Is it cheaper to make this from scratch? Use our Cook vs Buy Calculator to compare the real cost of homemade vs shop-bought.
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