This quickly and easily made Butter Bean Mash is a perfect side dish to meat, poultry or fish. The creamy, mild butter beans readily absorb the accompanying flavours of aromatic rosemary, garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances and enhances the flavours. You will be delighted that such an easy dish is so flavoursome, as well as being nourishing, satisfying and able to be prepared in minutes.
2 cansbutter beans (800 g/28 oz) - drained and rinsed
2tablespoonwaterSee Note 1
2tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
2clovesgarlic - finely chopped
3teaspoonfresh rosemary - finely chopped
½teaspoonlemon zest
1tablespoonlemon juice - freshly squeezed
⅓cupParmesan cheese - freshly gratedSee Note 2
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to tasteSee Note 3
Instructions
In a small food processor, blend the beans and water until a smooth puree forms. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Add the rosemary.
Add the pureed bean mixture, lemon juice and zest and warm through.
When the bean mash is warmed through, stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more lemon if desired and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Tablespoon: we use a standard Australian tablespoon which is 20 ml (4 teaspoons).
Parmesan: use the best quality you can and ensure it is freshly grated for the best flavour, and for the cheese to melt in to the mash properly.
Seasoning: adjust the seasoning to your liking – we recommend using freshly ground black pepper and sea salt flakes for the best flavour.