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Dietary key

  • V

    Vegetarian

  • V*

    Vegetarian Option

  • Ve

    Vegan

  • Ve*

    Vegan Option

  • G

    Gluten-Free

  • G*

    Gluten-Free Option

  • D

    Dairy-Free

  • D*

    Dairy-Free Option

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Rated 4.2 by 87 users.

Butter Bean alla Norma

A traditional pasta dish, without the pasta! We're using our Queen Butter Beans for that same satisfying kick but with the added boost of protein + fibre. 

It's traditionally serve with ricotta salta which can be hard to find - but regular, softer ricotta or even mozzarella will work just as well.

Feeds: 3
Takes: 45 minutes
V Ve* G

Ingredients

2 aubergines, chopped into rough 3cm chunks

5 tbsp olive oil 

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced  1 red onion, thinly sliced ½ a bunch of fresh basil , (15g), leaves picked

1 tsp dried oregano 

½ tsp dried chilli flakes, or to taste 

1 tbsp baby capers 

A handful of mixed olives, roughly chopped (optional) 

1 tbsp red wine vinegar 

1 x 400 g tin of quality chopped tomatoes

1 jar of Queen Butter Beans with their bean stock

50 g pecorino or parmesan cheese - grated, or vegan alternative

To serve 250g ricotta salata, or soft ricotta 

Extra virgin olive oil, to serve 

Substitutions

Ricotta - mozzarella

Shop The Recipe

Queen Butter Beans
Queen Butter Beans
570g / Bold Pack (6) £22.00

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 180C. Tumble the aubergine chunks to a large roasting dish and coat generously with about 3 tbsp of olive oil and a good pinch of salt. Toss well using your hands then roast for 30-35 minutes until softened.

2

Meanwhile, add 2 tbsp olive oil into a large frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and start to caramelise, stirring occasionally.

3

Add the garlic and cook for a further minute until fragrant.

4

Pour in the chopped tomatoes and fill the tin ⅓ the way with water and add that too. Mix well then add the oregano, chilli flakes, capers, vinegar, olives, and most of the basil leaves (saving a few for garnish) and bubble away until the sauce reduces into a glossy consistency slightly, about 7-8 minutes, stirring every now and then.

5

Check on the aubergine - it should be nice and softened at this point. Add the aubergine to the pan along with the butter beans with their liquid and stir everything to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the beans through.

6

Finely, add half the parmesan. Season well with cracked black pepper and salt to taste.

7

Divide between bowls, grate over the remaining parmesan and ricotta, or a few dollops if you’re using soft ricotta. Finish with the remaining basil scattered on top and a drizzle of olive oil, if you fancy.

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