Italian Butter Beans Delight

Step 1: Heat the Oil

• Action: Place a medium saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
• Oil: Measure 1 tablespoon of olive oil and pour it into the pan. Allow the oil to heat until it starts to shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

• Action: Add 4 crushed garlic cloves to the hot oil.
• Technique: Use the back of a knife to crush the garlic, releasing its oils and aroma.
• Timing: Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You want it to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

• Action: Carefully pour in 1 (400g) tin of chopped tomatoes.
• Mixing: Stir the tomatoes gently with the garlic and oil to combine.
• Add Sugar: Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Seasoning: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust later as needed.
• Tip: The sugar helps to enhance the flavors and reduce acidity.

Step 4: Incorporate the Butter Beans

• Action: Open 2 (400g) tins of butter beans and drain them well.
• Rinsing: Rinse the beans under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. This step is important for a fresher taste.
• Combine: Gently add the rinsed and drained butter beans to the saucepan.
• Add Water: Pour in a splash of water (about 50-100 ml) to create a sauce. This helps to prevent the mixture from drying out during cooking.

Step 5: Simmer the Mixture

• Action: Cover the saucepan with a lid.
• Timing: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the beans to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
• Tip: Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. If it looks too dry, you can add a little more water.

Step 6: Finish with Basil

• Action: After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir in a small bunch of chopped basil.
• Technique: Use kitchen scissors or a knife to chop the basil finely. Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that enhances the dish.
• Final Mixing: Gently fold the basil into the bean mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 7: Serve

• Serving: Spoon the Mediterranean butter beans into serving bowls or onto a plate.
• Presentation: Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired and garnish with more fresh basil or a sprinkle of pepper.
• Pairing: Serve hot as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or even as part of a vegetarian meal.