Romesco Butter Beans Manchego: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Romesco Butter Beans Manchego: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of Spain with this vibrant and utterly irresistible dish! Imagine creamy, melt-in-your-mouth butter beans, bathed in a smoky, nutty Romesco sauce, and crowned with the sharp, tangy bite of Manchego cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Romesco sauce, originating from Tarragona, Catalonia, is a culinary gem with roots deeply embedded in the region’s fishing traditions. Fishermen created this sauce to accompany their catch, using readily available ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, almonds, and garlic. Over time, it has evolved into a versatile condiment, perfect for vegetables, meats, and, as we’re about to discover, luscious butter beans. The addition of Manchego, Spain’s most famous cheese, elevates this simple dish to something truly special.

People adore this Romesco Butter Beans Manchego recipe for its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. The creamy beans provide a comforting base, while the Romesco sauce adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick. The Manchego cheese offers a delightful salty counterpoint, creating a harmonious balance that dances on your palate. Best of all, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive addition to a tapas spread. So, let’s dive in and create some culinary magic with this delightful Romesco Butter Beans Manchego!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Romesco Sauce:
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Butter Beans:
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• 4 ounces Manchego cheese, shaved or grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread, for serving

Making the Romesco Sauce

Okay, let’s start with the heart of this dish – the Romesco sauce! This sauce is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s mostly just throwing things into a blender or food processor.

1. Roast the Red Pepper: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the red bell pepper directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and blistered all over. Turning the pepper occasionally will help ensure even roasting.
2. Steam the Pepper: Once the pepper is roasted, carefully transfer it to a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will steam the pepper and make it easier to peel. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Peel and Seed the Pepper: After steaming, remove the plastic wrap (be careful of the steam!). The skin should now peel off easily. Remove the skin, stem, and seeds from the pepper. Discard the skin, stem, and seeds.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the peeled roasted red pepper, blanched almonds, garlic, olive oil, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Blend Until Smooth: Pulse the mixture until it’s mostly smooth. You can leave it a little chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture.
6. Season to Taste: Season the Romesco sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and taste it. You might want to add a little more sherry vinegar for tanginess or a pinch more smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
7. Set Aside: Transfer the Romesco sauce to a bowl and set aside while you prepare the butter beans. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking the Butter Beans

Now, let’s move on to the butter beans. We’re going to infuse them with flavor using aromatics and a touch of broth. This step is all about creating a creamy and delicious base for the Romesco sauce and Manchego cheese.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to brown the onion; you just want it to become tender.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the Butter Beans: Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet. Stir to coat them with the olive oil and aromatics.
4. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and add the sprig of fresh rosemary and bay leaf.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the butter beans are heated through and the flavors have melded together. The broth should have reduced slightly, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Remove Herbs: Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf from the skillet.
7. Season to Taste: Season the butter beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Again, give it a good stir and taste it. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling and Serving

Finally, the best part – putting it all together! This is where the magic happens, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The combination of the creamy butter beans, flavorful Romesco sauce, and salty Manchego cheese is simply divine.

1. Spoon the Butter Beans: Spoon the butter beans into bowls or onto plates.
2. Top with Romesco Sauce: Generously dollop the Romesco sauce over the butter beans. Don’t be shy; the more Romesco sauce, the better!
3. Add Manchego Cheese: Sprinkle the shaved or grated Manchego cheese over the Romesco sauce. The salty, nutty flavor of the Manchego cheese complements the other flavors perfectly.
4. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all the delicious sauce. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top is also a nice touch.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter beans while they’re simmering.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale to the butter beans for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, use vegetable broth and omit the Manchego cheese. You can substitute it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Use Different Beans: If you don’t have butter beans, you can use cannellini beans or great northern beans instead.
• Make it Ahead: The Romesco sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter beans can also be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is great as a starter, side dish, or even a light meal. It’s also perfect for entertaining.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Romesco Butter Beans Manchego recipe is truly a must-try dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests at a weekend gathering. The creamy butter beans, the smoky-sweet Romesco sauce, and the salty, nutty Manchego cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe to execute, but the end result tastes incredibly sophisticated and complex. I promise, once you try it, it will become a regular in your rotation.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flair. The butter beans provide a hearty and satisfying base, while the Romesco sauce adds a vibrant depth of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. And the Manchego? Well, that’s just the perfect finishing touch, adding a salty, savory note that ties everything together beautifully. It’s also incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This dish is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or a satisfying side dish. But don’t stop there! You can easily transform it into a complete meal by serving it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple green salad. For a vegetarian option, try adding some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Romesco sauce for a little extra heat.
* Make it vegan: Substitute the Manchego cheese with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. You can also use a plant-based butter for the Romesco sauce, ensuring the entire dish is completely vegan-friendly.
* Add some greens: Stir in some wilted spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
* Serve it as a dip: Puree the butter beans and Romesco sauce together for a delicious and unique dip to serve with crusty bread or vegetable sticks.
* Romesco Butter Beans Manchego Pasta: Toss the finished dish with your favorite pasta shape for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

The possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to your own taste preferences. That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about creating something that you love.

I truly believe that this Romesco Butter Beans Manchego recipe is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and impressive – everything you could want in a recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give it a try!

I’m so excited for you to experience the magic of this dish. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!