Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew is a cozy, comforting dish that combines rich, tender butter beans with a medley of vegetables and savory spices. It’s a flavorful, hearty vegetarian stew that’s perfect for chilly nights. The beans provide a creamy texture that makes the stew filling while the combination of garlic, tomatoes and herbs brings out a satisfying depth of flavor. It’s also pretty versatile, so you can adjust it with extra ingredients like greens or a hint of chili for a bit of spice. This stew is a wonderful example of Jamie Oliver’s approach to making simple, wholesome meals that anyone can prepare, no fancy techniques needed!
Jamie Oliver Butter Bean Stew Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Butter beans: These are the star of the dish. They’re creamy, soft and absorb all the flavors from the stew. You can use canned or dried butter beans (though dried beans require a bit more prep).
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the stew.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, finely chopped. Garlic adds that aromatic base flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped. This will give your stew a slight sweetness when cooked down.
- Carrot: Sliced thin, carrots bring a gentle sweetness and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds freshness and crunch, balancing the soft texture of the butter beans.
- Canned tomatoes: You can use whole or chopped canned tomatoes. They give the stew that tangy, rich tomato base.
- Vegetable stock: A good veggie stock adds depth and richness to the broth. You can also use chicken stock if you’re not sticking strictly to vegetarian.
- Herbs: Typically rosemary and thyme but Jamie sometimes switches it up based on the season. These herbs infuse the stew with lovely, earthy fragrance.
- Chili flakes (optional): For a little heat. Jamie Oliver often adds a pinch of dried chili flakes for warmth and a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper: To season the stew to taste.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven: You’ll need something with a heavy bottom to sauté the veggies and simmer the stew without burning anything.
- Chopping board and knife: For chopping your veggies and garlic, this is essential for getting the right texture and consistency.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring. It’s the best tool to keep things moving around in the pot without scraping or damaging the surface.
- Can opener: If you’re using canned beans or tomatoes, this is a must!
- Ladle: For serving the stew once it’s all cooked up.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew
- Prep the ingredients: Start by chopping your onions, garlic, carrots and celery. Open the cans of tomatoes and butter beans. If you’re using dried butter beans, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them first.
- Heat the oil: Pour a generous amount of olive oil into your pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in your chopped onions and cook them until they soften and become translucent-around 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Once your onions are ready, throw in the garlic, carrots and celery. Stir everything together, letting the vegetables cook for another 5 minutes. This helps develop the base flavors for the stew.
- Add tomatoes and stock: Now, add the canned tomatoes and vegetable stock. Stir everything and let it come to a simmer. This is when the stew starts to take shape and the tomatoes begin breaking down into a rich, slightly tangy sauce.
- Add the butter beans: Once your broth has simmered for a bit, add the butter beans. Stir them in and let everything cook for about 20 minutes on low heat. This is when the beans soften even more and absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Season and finish: Season the stew with salt, pepper and chili flakes (if using). You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme at this point. Let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Once the stew is ready, serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth. You can even drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for extra richness.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew was a reminder that simple ingredients can come together to create something magical. I loved how the butter beans soaked up the flavor from the tomatoes and herbs, making every bite hearty and satisfying. One thing I really appreciated was how easy it was to prepare. this is the kind of dish that doesn’t require constant attention, yet still tastes like you’ve spent hours cooking.
Also, the combination of vegetables and beans means you’re getting a lot of nutrients in one pot, making it both healthy and filling. The addition of chili flakes is subtle but gives a great little kick that elevates the flavor without overpowering the dish. The stew actually tastes better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew
Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew is already a crowd-pleaser but there are plenty of ways to tweak it to make it your own. Want a richer depth of flavor? Try adding a dollop of tomato paste when sautéing the onions and garlic. this will bring a touch of sweetness and umami to the base.
For those who like a little heat, a finely chopped red chili or a sprinkle of smoked paprika will add a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. If you’re looking to amp up the protein, add in some smoked sausage or chorizo. The smokiness complements the beans beautifully and adds a meaty contrast to the soft butter beans.
Vegetarians or vegans? Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and you can even add a spoonful of coconut cream or cashew cream to give it a smooth, velvety texture. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a portion of the butter beans before adding them in or let the stew simmer a bit longer to reduce.
You can also get creative with herbs. While Jamie uses rosemary and thyme, adding a few fresh basil leaves at the end can brighten the dish and offer a fresh, aromatic twist. And if you’re craving something a little more earthy, fresh sage would make a lovely addition.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Storing leftovers properly can extend the shelf life of your butter bean stew without compromising on taste. First, allow the stew to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Once cooled, transfer the stew into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If you plan to store the stew for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Just let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion when freezing. The stew will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly on the stove. Stir occasionally to prevent any parts from sticking to the bottom.
One thing to keep in mind: the butter beans might soften a little more after freezing and reheating. While it doesn’t affect flavor, the texture might change slightly.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew?
The beauty of this stew is its versatility. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. For a classic combo, serve the stew with some crusty bread. You can dip it straight into the stew, soaking up all the flavorful broth. A slice of sourdough or a warm baguette would work wonders.
If you’re after something a bit more filling, a side of creamy mashed potatoes can complement the stew’s rich, earthy flavors. For a lighter pairing, try a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing will help balance the richness of the stew.
To round out the meal with even more texture, roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips or sweet potatoes are an excellent choice. The slight sweetness of the roast veg contrasts beautifully with the stew’s savory goodness. Alternatively, a scoop of couscous or quinoa could offer some nuttiness and a lighter contrast.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew?
You’ll need butter beans, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew?
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including prep and cooking time.
Can I Add Meat To Jamie Oliver’s Butter Bean Stew?
Yes, you can add some sausage, bacon, or chicken if you prefer a non-vegetarian version!
