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Butter Masala Beans

Posted by Liam Reilly on 20-10-2026

Food Recipes

Butter masala beans are a comforting choice when a simple pantry ingredient needs a little extra flavour. Tender beans simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, fragrant spices, and butter create a satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with rice or warm flatbread.

It offers the familiar richness of a restaurant-style curry while remaining practical enough for everyday cooking. Using canned beans makes preparation especially convenient because they are already cooked.

Ingredients

2 cans butter beans or cannellini beans, approximately 400 g each

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

400 g chopped tomatoes

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp garam masala

¼–½ tsp chilli powder, to taste

150 ml cooking cream

100–150 ml water or vegetable stock

Salt, to taste

1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves, optional

Servings: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the canned beans under cool running water. Set them aside while preparing the sauce.

2. Heat the vegetable oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for five to seven minutes, stirring regularly until softened and lightly golden.

3. Add the garlic and grated ginger. Cook for approximately one minute, stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.

4. Add the cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and chilli powder. Stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer for five to seven minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavours begin to combine.

6. Add the drained beans and 100 ml of water or vegetable stock. Stir gently, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for five minutes. Add more liquid when needed to reach the desired consistency.

7. Reduce the heat and stir in the cooking cream and remaining tablespoon of butter. Warm gently for two to three minutes without allowing the sauce to boil vigorously.

8. Season with salt, taste, and adjust the spices as needed. Sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips for a Rich, Smooth Sauce

Give the onion enough time to soften before adding the spices. This creates a flavourful foundation for the sauce. Keep the heat moderate when cooking garlic and ground spices, as they can become bitter when scorched. For a smoother texture, blend the tomato sauce before adding the beans. Allow it to cool slightly before blending, and return it to the saucepan afterward. When using a hand blender, take care around hot liquid.

Serving and Storage

Serve butter masala beans with steamed rice, warm flatbread, or roasted vegetables. A spoonful of fresh coriander adds colour, while a little extra cream can create a decorative finish. Store cooled leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to warm the beans evenly.

Butter masala beans turn a few pantry staples into a creamy, flavourful meal with very little effort. The tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and tender beans create a satisfying combination that works for lunch or dinner. Keep the seasoning flexible, serve it with a favourite side, and enjoy a practical homemade dish that fits easily into a busy week.