Butter Beans with Ricotta Pesto

This creamy butter bean dish combines the richness of ricotta with bright lemon and herbaceous basil pesto for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that works year-round. The contrast between the creamy beans, tangy lemon, and aromatic pesto creates a harmonious balance that elevates humble butter beans into something special.

I first made this dish during a particularly scorching summer when turning on the stove seemed unbearable. What started as a quick lunch solution has become one of my most requested dishes when entertaining friends who are always surprised by how something so simple can taste so luxurious.

Ingredients

• Butter beans: They provide the creamy hearty base, look for high quality jarred beans for best texture and flavor
• Fresh basil: The star of the pesto, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting or black spots
• Pine nuts: Add nutty richness and traditional pesto flavor, toast them lightly to enhance their flavor
• Garlic: Provides essential aromatic depth, select firm bulbs with no sprouting
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami notes, opt for freshly grated not prepackaged
• Olive oil: The backbone of good pesto, use extra virgin for best flavor
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy contrast to the beans, choose whole milk ricotta for richness
• Lemon: Both juice and zest adds brightness and cuts through the richness, use unwaxed organic if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the pine nuts:

Gently heat pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch them constantly as they burn quickly. The toasting process releases essential oils that transform the flavor profile of your pesto from mild to wonderfully nutty. Allow them to cool slightly before proceeding.

Prepare the pesto:

Add basil leaves, cooled toasted pine nuts, crushed garlic, grated parmesan, and olive oil to your blender or food processor. Pulse several times then blend until smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally. The consistency should be fluid but not runny, similar to thick cream. The vibrant green mixture should smell intensely fragrant and herbaceous. Add more oil if needed to achieve the right consistency.

Prepare the beans:

For cold serving, simply drain about half the liquid from the jar of butter beans, saving some of that flavorful bean liquid to help bind the dish. For warm serving, pour beans with half their liquid into a frying pan and warm over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until just heated through. Avoid high heat which can cause the delicate beans to break apart.

Assemble the dish:

Spoon the prepared beans onto a large serving platter, creating a base layer. Add dollops of cold ricotta scattered across the top, creating little creamy islands. Drizzle your freshly made pesto generously over everything, allowing it to cascade over the beans and ricotta. Finish with fresh lemon zest grated over the entire dish and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Add freshly cracked black pepper and an extra drizzle of your best olive oil for a glossy finish.

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The pine nuts are truly what make this pesto special. I once tried to substitute walnuts when I was out of pine nuts, and while still delicious, it missed that signature buttery quality that only pine nuts provide. My Italian grandmother would insist that toasting them is non-negotiable it releases their natural oils and transforms the entire dish.

Make It Ahead

This dish actually improves with a little time, making it perfect for entertaining. Prepare all components up to a day in advance but store them separately in the refrigerator. The pesto may darken slightly on top due to oxidation this is completely natural and doesn't affect the flavor. Simply stir before using to redistribute the bright green color beneath. Allow the components to come to room temperature before assembling, as cold ricotta straight from the refrigerator can feel too firm against the beans.

Seasonal Variations

In summer, add quartered cherry tomatoes and torn fresh herbs like mint or oregano for an even fresher approach. During autumn and winter months, warm the beans thoroughly and consider adding roasted butternut squash cubes or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish. You might also experiment with adding crispy pancetta or prosciutto on top for omnivores, which provides a delicious salty contrast to the creamy components.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this versatile dish alongside grilled sourdough rubbed with garlic for an elegant lunch, or pair it with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a more substantial dinner. For a complete Mediterranean spread, accompany with a simple tomato salad, olives, and a glass of crisp white wine. The dish works beautifully as part of a buffet and can sit at room temperature for up to two hours, making it perfect for grazing.

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This Mediterranean-inspired butter bean dish is perfect for any occasion, offering both simplicity and elegance in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, this dish is easily adaptable for vegans. Simply substitute the ricotta and parmesan with your preferred plant-based alternatives. Many stores carry vegan ricotta alternatives, and nutritional yeast can replace parmesan in the pesto.

→ How long does homemade basil pesto keep?

Homemade basil pesto will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with butter beans and ricotta?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. It can be served as a light main course, a side dish, or even as part of an antipasti spread for entertaining.

→ Can I use canned butter beans instead of jarred?

Absolutely! Canned butter beans work perfectly in this recipe. Simply drain and rinse them before using. You may want to add a splash of olive oil when warming them to replace the liquid from the jar.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this makes an excellent meal prep option. Prepare the components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pesto can be made ahead and stored separately, then assembled with the beans and ricotta just before serving.

→ What are butter beans?

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are large, creamy-textured legumes with a mild, buttery flavor. They're packed with protein and fiber, making them nutritious as well as delicious in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.