Is there a difference between Lima Beans and Butter Beans?

Technically, no, they are the same bean. However, depending on your region or what brands you can access, lima beans and butter beans might be picked at different maturity levels. You want your beans to be big, white, and tender. Younger lima beans/butter beans are smaller, starchier, and greener. They have a texture similar to fava beans, which we are trying to avoid for this recipe.

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional Yeast is a flaky sustenance that has a nutty and cheesy taste to it. It is made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or more commonly known as Baker's Yeast. The difference between Nutritional Yeast and Baker's Yeast is Nutritional Yeast is deactivated during the manufacturing process. This means it can't be used to bake bread. You can learn more about nutritional yeast here .

What if I don't have a high speed blender?

If you have a food processor, you could use that instead. Alternatively, you can smash your beans with a fork or potato masher in bowl.

I would like there to be bit less oil. Any suggestions?

A splash of water can help blend everything together. What would be even better is reserving some of the bean water from the can to use as the oil replacement. Liz has a recipe that uses this over on their new blog, FitLizKitchen .

Any suggestions for pairings?

We had our mash with some asparagus (roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli would also be lovely!) with a light olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. We roasted them in the oven for 8 to 9 minutes at 425 F and then drizzled on a little lemon juice. It was really good! It'd also be great with cooked Portobellos (try our Portobello steaks recipe!). Don't forget some crusty bread to dunk in your butter bean mash, or try it with our vegan garlic bread .

You could also add some sauteed mushrooms or even sundried tomatoes to the top of your mash. A little lemon zest, green onion (spring onion), or a little drizzle of a good quality balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar and an additional tbsp oil.

Easy Butter Bean Mash

Name: Easy Butter Bean Mash
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-15.5 Oz Cans Butter Beans, Drained and Rinsed (See Note 1 for replacements); 4-6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (See Note 2 for lower/no oil options); 0.5 Cup Nutritional Yeast; 4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice; 1 Teaspoon Salt, or to Taste; 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder; 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder; 0.5 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper; 2 Teaspoons Dried Dill; Crushed Red Pepper, to Taste, Optional

Description

Butter Bean Mash is a super easy recipe for a side or dip (or use as part of a main)! It's ready in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2-15.5 oz Cans Butter Beans, Drained and Rinsed (See Note 1 for replacements)
4-6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (See Note 2 for lower/no oil options)
0.5 cup Nutritional Yeast
4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Salt, or to Taste
2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
0.5 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
2 Teaspoons Dried Dill
Crushed Red Pepper, to Taste, Optional

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Instructions

Blend: To a high speed blender, add all the ingredients except the dill. Blend together until smooth. If your blender came with a tamper, use it to start the mixing process. Make X motions while using the tamper to mix the contents of the blender. If your blender does not have one (or you're using a food processor), you may need to stop every so often and scrape down the sides of the container. Once smooth, pulse the dill in.
Heat, If Desired: Using a microwave, heat the butter bean mash for about 2 minutes or until mash is hot enough. Give mash a stir to make sure it's evenly heated. If using a stove, add mash to a small pot and heat on a medium-high heat until warm.
Serve: Add mash to a dish and top with red pepper flakes if desired. Eat like mashed potatoes with a fork or use as dip like hummus.

Notes

Note 1: While it wouldn't be a butter bean mash, you can still make an amazing creamy mash with other white beans. Great Northern or Cannellini Beans are ideal.
Note 2: For less/no oil a splash of water or a small amount of vegetable stock can help blend everything together. What would be even better is reserving the bean water from the can to use as the oil replacement. Liz has a recipe that uses this over on their new blog, FitLizKitchen.
Note 3: If you have a food processor, you could use that instead. Alternatively, you can smash your beans with a fork or potato masher in bowl.
Note 4: Storage: Let butter bean mash cool if heated. Add to airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Reheat leftover butter bean mash in the microwave (or in a small pot over low heat on the stove) and add a few tablespoons of olive oil if needed, or at least serve with a fresh drizzle of olive oil (or lemon juice or vinegar). Consume within 3 to 5 days.

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dinner, Side
Method: Microwave, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butter Bean Recipes, Easy Side Recipes, Vegan Side Recipes, Dinner Sides