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This Creamy Coconut Butter Bean Curry is rich, cozy, and loaded with flavor. Made in just one pan in 30 minutes with pantry staples, it's also packed with fiber and plant-based protein. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Big, buttery beans simmer in a flavorful coconut curry sauce. It's delicious served with naan, rice, quinoa, or even roasted sweet potatoes. YUM!
FEATURED COMMENT:
Delicious!!! The easiest, tastiest, most successful curry I've made at home thus far! So happy I received the email with this recipe today. Will certainly be saving it to make over & over again! - Carly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've been keeping a secret... the truth is, butter beans (also called lima beans) have officially stolen my heart and claimed the title of favorite bean. I know, bold statement, but hear me out! I'm talking about the large butter beans, not the little kidney-sized ones. They're a bit trickier to find, but once you discover that sweet spot in your grocery store, you'll want to stock up. They're buttery, creamy, satisfying, and perfectly meaty... in a beany kind of way.
You can swap them 1-to-1 for chickpeas or cannellini beans, but what makes them so special is their size and texture. I love tossing butter beans into soups, stews, over salads, or really anywhere, because they're just so delicious. But my most recent obsession is using them in this Creamy Coconut Butter Bean Curry.
This vegan curry is rich and luxurious, made with coconut milk and warming spices, and the butter beans soak it all up beautifully. Scoop it onto naan, and boom. Easy to make, veggie-packed, comfort food bliss.
I've been making this curry on repeat because it's so easy to throw together, super affordable, and as long as I've got a couple of cans of my favorite bean in the pantry, dinner is sorted in under 30 minutes.
Bonus points: it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep too.
Ingredients:
- Butter beans: The star! Big, meaty, and satisfying. Swap with chickpeas or cannellini beans if needed.
- Coconut milk: For richness and creaminess. Full-fat works best for that luxurious texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and balances the creamy coconut.
- Baby spinach or kale: For a pop of green and added nutrition.
- Curry powder, cumin & turmeric: Cozy, earthy spices that bring the signature curry flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you like it spicy.
- Onion, garlic & ginger: The aromatic trio! Adds depth, warmth, and a savory foundation.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY COCONUT BUTTER BEAN CURRY:
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and just begin to brown. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, and cook for about 60 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- Simmer the curry: Pour in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes (with their juices), then add the butter beans, agave, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Add the greens and lime: Stir in the baby spinach or chopped kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lime juice.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with naan, rice, quinoa, or baked sweet potatoes.
- Storage & Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
This Creamy Coconut Butter Bean Curry is...
- quick and easy to make - ready in just 30 minutes
- rich, comforting, and packed with flavor
- made from pantry staples
- high in fiber and plant-based protein
- perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully
More curry recipes you might like:
- Easy Red Lentil Curry
- Thai Mango Chickpea Curry
- Vegan Curry Lentil Soup
Looking for more easy vegan dinners?
→ Browse More Quick & Easy Dinners
If you try this Creamy Coconut Butter Bean Curry recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Creamy Coconut Butter Bean Curry
Servings: - 6
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon light oil, (such as vegetable or coconut oil, or sub water/broth for oil-free)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, (or 1 ½ cups diced tomato)
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g) butter beans, (also called lima beans) drained and rinsed (or 2 ½ cups cooked beans)
- 1 teaspoon agave or sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach or chopped kale
- ½ lime, juiced
- Optional for serving: naan, rice, quinoa, or baked sweet potatoes, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and just begin to brown. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, and cook for about 60 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- Simmer the curry: Pour in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes (with their juices), then add the butter beans, agave, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Add the greens and lime: Stir in the baby spinach or chopped kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze in the lime juice.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with naan, rice, quinoa, or baked sweet potatoes.Storage & Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Jen says
Trifecta - delicious, comforting and easy! I served it with pita bread. Perfect weeknight meal. Thanks Sam!
Stella says
This is super easy to make and everybody loves it! I always get requests for this at potluck suppers.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy everyone loves it!! Thanks for the review, Stella! 🙂
Dee Clothier says
The best curry I have ever made. So simple but with so much taste. The family loved it.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
This makes me so happy to hear, Dee! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Absolutely delicious. I have give this recipe out to several of my friends. One person said that it is the best Curry ever tasted
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
This makes me so happy to hear, Elizabeth! 🙂
Elaine says
My daughter made this dish last night and told me how much she and her daughters really enjoyed it,,,,,soooooo I made it tonight and my husband and myself loved it! I’m so happy I’ve been introduced to you and your recipes. Thank you 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
This makes me so happy to hear, Elaine! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes 🙂
Becky says
This has become one of my absolute favorites to make and share! I didn’t have lime or sweetener and it was still amazing! Thanks for this delicious creation! Yum!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Becky! So glad you enjoyed it, love how flexible it is 😊
Joan says
Just made this with Rancho Gordo Christmas limas - and it’s delicious! Thanks for yet another easy and yummy dinner for the rotation!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Joan! So glad it made it into the dinner rotation 😊
Tom says
I've made this twice now, and it's delicious. No canned butter beans at my store, so I boiled a one pound bag of dried beans. That easily made 3x or more than what the recipe calls for, but I kept adding them and it didn't seems like too much until I had added the entire batch. It worked out fine.
So apparently the recipe is quite flexible.
Nora has a similar recipe that uses whizzed up cashews for the creaminess instead of coconut milk and sundried tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. I haven't tried hers yet, but I suspect the results would be somewhat similar. I gravitate towards yours because it's simpler -- you don't have to mess with a blender.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So glad you enjoyed it!! And yes, this recipe is definitely flexible which makes it great for using what you have on hand. Love that you made a big batch!
Charity says
This is SOOO good. I almost never leave a review for a recipe, but I have to with this one. It's just YUM. The flavors are amazing. I made this for dinner last night, and I'm eating the leftovers cold as I type this. And I'm so sad that I'm getting full. 😆
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Charity! “Sad to be getting full” is the best kind of review 😄 So happy you loved it!
John e Keane says
This is part of my meal prep routine. I have made a tweak or two with seasonings after making it a dozen times. It's just a great simple fast meal. I like to serve it over roasted cauliflower. I don't normally comment on recipes but this one is a staple. Thanks!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I love that John! Serving it over roasted cauliflower sounds amazing. So happy it’s part of your regular rotation 😊
Elizabeth Barrett says
This is the best thing I've eaten this year, maybe last year also!!! I made it per recipe and honestly I wouldn't change a thing about it (which is very rare for me!) Our taste buds are in sync!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Elizabeth!! Haha, 😂 I’m SO happy it was a hit and that our taste buds are in sync!
Stephanie F says
So delicious. I used cannellini beans, because I don’t love Lima beans. If I wanted to add heat would you suggest a sautéing a little jalapeño with the onions? Or some cayenne pepper?
Thanks!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Great question! Either would work, sautéing a little jalapeño with the onions is my top pick for fresh heat, but a pinch of cayenne works too 🙂
Valerie says
This soup is delicious! It’s exactly what you want to eat on a cold day. I also appreciate how easy it is to make! I added some frozen peas and carrots too. Will make again!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Valerie! Yay! So happy you loved it. 😊
Stephanie Mahler says
Soooo delicious! I served it with a rice and quinoa pilaf -- yum. Leftovers are just as good, if not better. I always am eager to try one of your recipes because I know it will be tasty, and since it's vegan, I know it's healthier for me than most other recipes I could try. (Okay, the recipes for sweets may not be any better for me, but...) Thanks for another winner!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha love it Stephanie! So thrilled you are enjoying my recipes, and yes the majority of them are much healthier than traditional SAD recipes (Standard American Diet). 😉
Heidi says
This is the easiest most delicious curry I’ve ever eaten! Thank you Sam!! I wanted to make something for a dear friend going through a rough time, and this really just may have helped heal her just a little bit❤️
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Heidi! Aww that makes me so happy to hear. I’m so glad you and your friend enjoyed the curry, what a lovely thing to make for someone going through a tough time! 💛
Deborah says
My family loves this recipe. Its like comfort food. So yummy !
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you love it Deborah! Thank you for the review 🙂
Alicia says
I made this recipe today and it tastes absolutely delicious. Sam really does create amazing and delicious recipes.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! Thanks for your review and kind words!
Alicia says
You're welcome and your recipes are amazing.