Name: Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 2 x 400g cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed; 400g can of chopped tomatoes; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available); 1 bay leaf; 500ml vegetable stock; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); Crusty bread, for serving

Jamie Oliver’s butter bean stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for cooler days or when you want something filling and healthy. Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are rich in protein and fiber, making them the ideal base for a nutritious meal. This stew is packed with vegetables, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Hearty and Filling: The butter beans and vegetables make this stew a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Healthy and Nutritious: Full of fiber, protein, and vitamins, this stew is great for a balanced diet.
Budget-Friendly: Using canned beans and affordable vegetables, this recipe is cost-effective and great for feeding a crowd.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This stew is naturally vegetarian, but you can easily add your favorite protein if desired.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

What is Butter Bean Stew?

Jamie Oliver Butter bean stew is a hearty, vegetable-based dish made with butter beans, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices. The beans are simmered in a flavorful sauce until tender and infused with the flavors of the other ingredients, resulting in a rich, comforting meal.

Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 x 400g cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
400g can of chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
1 bay leaf
500ml vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Crusty bread, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the Seasonings

Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to release the flavors of the spices.

3. Add the Butter Beans and Tomatoes

Add the drained butter beans and the can of chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

4. Pour in the Stock

Pour in the vegetable stock and stir everything together. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.

5. Season and Garnish

Taste the stew and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, you can add a little more stock or water to loosen it. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

6. Serve with Bread

Ladle the butter bean stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for mopping up the rich stew.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pair nicely with the hearty stew.
Rice or Couscous: Serve the stew over rice or couscous for an extra-filling meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted root vegetables on the side for a comforting, warming meal.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the stew.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

Use Canned or Dried Beans: While canned butter beans are convenient, you can also use dried butter beans. Just soak and cook them ahead of time.
Let the Stew Simmer: The longer the stew simmers, the more flavorful it becomes, so don’t rush the process.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer it uncovered for a longer time. For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable stock or water.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the stew for extra nutrition.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds an aromatic touch to the dish. Stir in a handful of fresh herbs just before serving for added flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew

Spicy Butter Bean Stew: Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili for some heat.
Tomato-Rich Stew: Use more tomatoes for a stew with a stronger tomato flavor. You can even add a spoonful of tomato paste.
Add Sausage: For a heartier, non-vegetarian option, add sliced chorizo or Italian sausage to the stew.
Green Veggie Stew: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.
Vegan Creamy Stew: Add a splash of coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a creamy, vegan twist.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew?

Refrigerate: Store leftover butter bean stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: Butter bean stew freezes well. Cool the stew completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew?

Stovetop Reheat: Reheat the stew over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the consistency.
Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven Reheat: For larger quantities, reheat the stew in a covered oven-safe dish at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 12g
Sodium: 400mg

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned in this stew?

Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the stew. This will take more time, but dried beans often have a richer texture and flavor.

How do I thicken butter bean stew?

To thicken butter bean stew, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also mash some of the beans in the pot to create a creamier texture.

Can I freeze butter bean stew?

Yes, butter bean stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with butter bean stew?

Butter bean stew pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or couscous. You can also serve it with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s butter bean stew is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty lunch. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own, this stew is a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.

More Jamie Oliver Recipes