Caramelized Onion Butter Beans with Feta Yoghurt and Zhoug

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Middle Eastern Flavors: Earthy spices, rich caramelized onions, and tangy toppings make this dish stand out.

• Vegetarian and Satisfying: Packed with plant-based protein from beans and full of fiber.

• Colorful & Beautiful: Visually stunning with layers of textures and colors.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepped ahead and assembled when ready to eat.

Ingredients

For the butter bean stew:

• 1 tin of butter beans (400g)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 white onion, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1.5 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 0.5 tsp cinnamon

• 0.5 tsp ground coriander

• 0.5 tsp allspice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze

• 1 tin crushed tomatoes (400g)

• 90ml vegetable stock

For the feta sauce:

• 4 tbsp Greek yogurt

• 25g feta cheese

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the zhoug:

• 1 handful fresh coriander

• 1 handful fresh parsley

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 green jalapeño, seeds removed

• 2 large cloves garlic

• 1 tsp ground cardamom

• ¾ tsp ground cumin

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add the onions, and cook on low for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden.

2. Add Spices & Base: Stir in garlic, all spices, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 3 minutes.

3. Simmer the Stew: Add butter beans, crushed tomatoes, and stock. Stir and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

4. Make the Feta Sauce: Mix yogurt, feta, lemon zest, and olive oil in a bowl until creamy.

5. Make the Zhoug: Blend all ingredients until a coarse, thick sauce forms. Do not over-blend.

6. Assemble & Serve: Spoon the stew into bowls, top with feta sauce, drizzle with zhoug, and garnish with extra parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 2

Variations

• Creamier Sauce: Add more feta or a spoon of cream cheese to the yogurt sauce.

• Spicy Kick: Use a hotter chili in the zhoug for extra heat.

• Beans Swap: Substitute butter beans with cannellini or chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep stew, sauce, and zhoug in separate containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheat: Gently warm the stew on the stovetop; toppings should be added fresh.

FAQs

Can I freeze the butter bean stew?

Yes, freeze the stew (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soak and cook dried beans ahead of time. Use about 1½ cups cooked beans per can.

Is this dish spicy?

The zhoug adds heat. Adjust the jalapeño amount based on your spice preference.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, skip the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative.

What else can I use zhoug for?

Use it as a dip, in wraps, or as a topping for grilled veggies and meats.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion Butter Beans with Feta Yoghurt and Zhoug is a vibrant, satisfying meal loaded with complex flavors and textures. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special plant-based treat, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how beans can taste this good!