Easy Miso Butter Beans Recipe (Vegan, High-Protein & Gut-Friendly)

A Nourishing Bowl of Plant-Based Comfort

Easy Miso Butter Beans Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of creamy beans. They’re wholesome, filling, and endlessly versatile. But when you combine them with the umami magic of miso, fresh zucchini, and fragrant basil, you get a plant-based main course that’s not only comforting but also packed with flavor and nutrition.

This vegan miso butter beans recipe is one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to—it’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to serve when friends come over. Plus, it’s high in plant-based protein, rich in gut-friendly fiber, and loaded with antioxidants.

Why Miso Butter Beans?

• Miso magic: Miso paste is a fermented soybean seasoning that brings a deep, savory umami kick. It’s also known to support gut health thanks to its probiotics.

• Butter beans power: Also called lima beans, butter beans are creamy, hearty, and packed with protein, iron, and fiber—making them an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians.

• Zucchini freshness: Light, tender zucchini balances the richness of the beans and miso with freshness.

• Basil & chili: Fresh basil leaves and a touch of red chili brighten everything up with a perfect balance of spice and aroma.

This dish is proof that healthy vegan meals can be both comforting and gourmet.

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Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 700 g butter beans (with liquid)

• 1 medium zucchini (courgette), thinly sliced into rounds (mandolin recommended)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 red chili, finely chopped

• A handful of fresh basil leaves (keep stalks separately for cooking)

• 1 tsp red miso paste dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water

• Zest of 1 lemon (plus extra for topping)

• Olive oil (a generous glug for frying)

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper

  
  

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the zucchini

   • Heat a generous glug of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

   • Add the sliced zucchini rounds and cook until browned on both sides (5–10 minutes). Don’t worry if the pan browns—that’s flavor!

   • Remove zucchini from the pan and set aside.

2. Build the flavor base

   • In the same pan (add a little more olive oil if needed), sauté the diced onion with a pinch of salt until softened.

   • Add chopped garlic, chili, and basil stalks, cooking until fragrant.

3. Simmer the beans

   • Pour in the butter beans along with their cooking liquid.

   • Let simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb all the flavors.

4. Bring it all together

   • Return the browned zucchini to the pan. Stir gently so the slices stay intact.

   • Add lemon zest for brightness.

   • Mix in the dissolved red miso paste along with a handful of fresh chopped basil.

5. Serve & enjoy

   • Spoon into bowls and top with extra olive oil, more lemon zest, and fresh basil leaves.

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Variations & Tips

• Protein boost: Add grilled tofu or tempeh on top for an extra protein hit.

• Creamier texture: Mash some of the butter beans in the pan to create a thicker, creamier sauce.

• Extra veg: Try adding spinach, kale, or roasted peppers for variety.

• Gluten-free option: Naturally gluten-free—just make sure your miso paste is certified gluten-free.

  
  

Nutritional Benefits (Per Serving – Approximate)

• High protein: 18–20g plant-based protein

• Fiber-rich: Great for digestion & satiety

• Healthy fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

• Gut-friendly: Fermented miso supports healthy gut microbiome

• Antioxidants: Basil, chili, and zucchini bring freshness and micronutrients

Final Thoughts

This easy miso butter beans recipe proves that plant-based cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you get a vegan main course that’s nourishing, high-protein, and gut-friendly.

It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—simple, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it went in the comments or tag me on social media. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next healthy weeknight dinner!