Spiced Butter Beans in Coconut Tamarind Sauce

Butter beans simmered in a creamy coconut tamarind sauce with herbs.

These spiced butter beans in coconut tamarind sauce are comforting, creamy and full of warm flavour. Tender butter beans simmer in a fragrant sauce made with coconut milk, tomato paste, ginger and a blend of aromatic spices.


The coconut milk creates richness while tamarind adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness of the beans and spices beautifully. A touch of cinnamon and turmeric gives the sauce warmth and depth, creating a dish that feels both nourishing and satisfying.


Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, these butter beans are perfect served over rice, alongside roasted sweet potatoes or scooped up with warm flatbread.

Spiced Butter Beans in Coconut Tamarind Sauce

Creamy butter beans simmered in a coconut tamarind sauce with warm spices. A comforting plant-based meal.

Author
Healthythandi
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
3
Cuisine
Indian-inspired / Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • Pinch cinnamon
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¾ cup coconut milk (thick part preferred)
  • 1 tsp tamarind paste (or lemon/lime juice)
  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup or coconut sugar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch cayenne pepper or chilli flakes
  • Fresh coriander or parsley
  • Squeeze of lemon or lime

Directions

  1. Heat coconut oil or olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground coriander, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon and turmeric.
  5. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds so the spices release their aroma.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen its flavour.
  7. Pour in the coconut milk along with the tamarind paste and maple syrup or coconut sugar.
  8. Allow the sauce to simmer gently.
  9. Add the drained butter beans and stir to coat them in the sauce.
  10. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beans.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or extra tamarind if needed.
  12. Finish with chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
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