Description
This Butter Beans with Ricotta, Lemon + Basil Pesto is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that can be served both hot or cold, making it perfect for any season. The creamy butter beans are paired with rich ricotta and a fresh, aromatic basil pesto. Zesty lemon brings brightness to the dish, and it’s finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pesto:
- 1 large bunch of fresh basil (roughly 15g)
- A handful of toasted pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove, crushed (or a small bunch of wild garlic if in season)
- 25g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegan alternative)
- 4–5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to serve
For the Butter Beans:
- 1 jar of butter beans (drain half the liquid)
- 250g ricotta cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty bread (optional)
Instructions
Make the Basil Pesto:
- Add the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, crushed garlic (or wild garlic if using), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to a blender or food processor.
- Blitz until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Prepare the Butter Beans:
Hot Option:
- Drain half the liquid from the jar of butter beans.
- Pour the beans and remaining liquid into a frying pan and warm over low heat until heated through.
Cold Option:
- Drain the beans and serve them directly without heating (great for summer or fresh salads).
Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon the butter beans onto a large serving platter.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese over the beans.
- Drizzle the basil pesto generously over the top.
- Grate the zest of one lemon over the dish and drizzle the lemon juice.
- Finish with a crack of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use dairy-free ricotta and a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Customize Your Beans: You can use any type of beans you prefer, such as cannellini or chickpeas, if butter beans are unavailable.
- Make Ahead: The pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also great for other dishes like pasta or sandwiches!
- Seasonal Variations: Wild garlic can be used in place of regular garlic when it’s in season for an added fresh twist.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty bread for a more filling meal, especially if serving the dish warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Blending, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 180mg