Vegan Butter Bean Masala

Happy December! It’s chilly, and I am loving it. I love everything about December – the chill, the first snowfall, the twinkling lights, the holiday seaaaason… THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Once December is over, I’ll be back to wishing it were warm, but… up until the holidays, I say bring it on.

One thing I love most is making all the cozy comfort food – like this butter bean masala. First, butter beans. They are my favorite bean ever, and the name pretty much says it all – buttery goodness! I love adding them to soups and stews because it makes it that much more hearty. Plus garam masala… one of the best spices of all time (in my opinion).

The very best time to make this is when you get up nice and early on a Sunday while still in comfy flannel pajamas. Throw on a chill playlist and get down to business. The aroma will fill your home in the best way, and you’ll be able to cozy up with a big bowl on the couch for lunch. It’s filling and healthy, while still boasting buttery, creamy goodness. The ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect, really.

Recipe

You will need:

• 1 tbs Earth Balance butter
• 1 vidalia onion, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 zucchini, diced
• 1 tbs garam masala spice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 handful of chopped kale

To make:

• In a large pan on the stove, melt butter over high heat and add onion, red pepper, carrot, zucchini, garam masala, paprika, and ground ginger. Cook over high heat, occasionally stirring, for about 5 minutes.
• Add can of butter beans and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
• Add coconut milk, crushed tomatoes, and a little bit of water (optional, depending on the consistency you want). Add more or less garam masala if you’d like (sometimes I tend to add a bit more!)
• Toss in the fresh kale, season with salt and pepper, and allow to cook on low heat for another 20 minutes or so.

This is such a warm, tasty dish. If you are new to working with different spices, I really think garam masala is a great place to start. It’s so flavorful and sweet! The butter beans will give you that boost of protein and keep your belly happy and full – along with all the fiber from the veggies.

As usual, this is a dish that can be made with whatever veggies you have in the house. Swap out for sweet potatoes, spinach, swiss chard, or even white potatoes. Honestly – anything goes!

Pairs very well with barely, quinoa, couscous, or brown rice. My go-to is couscous.

I think I may have to make another batch of this soon… I pretty much turned myself on writing this post. Ha! Have the comfiest day, friends! xx bianca