Dr Mobeus
Spicy Butter Bean and Tomato Stew
Butter beans are the quiet hero of the budget kitchen. Two tins cost around £1.30 and they are creamy, substantial and take on flavour brilliantly. This stew pairs them with smoky paprika and chilli in a tomato sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours rather than 20 minutes. At 55p a portion it is the kind of meal that makes you question why anyone pays for ready meals. The smoked paprika is the key ingredient – it adds a depth that makes simple tinned tomatoes taste rich and complex.
Spicy Butter Bean and Tomato Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and red pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softening.
- Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika and chilli flakes. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, drained butter beans and vegetable stock. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the flavours have melded together. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Serve in bowls with crusty bread for dipping, or over rice.
Tips and Variations
Adjust the chilli flakes to your taste – half a teaspoon gives a gentle warmth, a full teaspoon makes it properly spicy. This freezes brilliantly for up to 3 months. Add a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens. A dollop of natural yoghurt on top cools the spice and adds creaminess.
