Butter bean & chorizo stew

There is something deeply comforting about a pot of butter bean & chorizo stew gently bubbling on the stove. The smoky aroma from the chorizo fills the kitchen, mingling with sweet tomatoes and garlic. Then you see those creamy butter beans soaking up all that rich, spiced sauce. It is hearty, rustic, and the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket in a bowl. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

A Hearty Bowl That Feels Like Home

This stew is bold and satisfying without being complicated. The chorizo brings smoky depth and a gentle heat, while the butter beans turn soft and creamy as they simmer. Every spoonful is rich, slightly spicy, and deeply savory. It is simple food, but it tastes like something that has been cooking for hours, even though it comes together much faster than you might expect.

Inspired by Spanish Rustic Cooking

Butter beans and chorizo are a classic pairing in Spanish kitchens. Chorizo, with its paprika and garlic seasoning, has long been used to flavor stews and legumes. Beans stretch a dish further, making it affordable and filling, while absorbing all that smoky goodness. This combination has stood the test of time because it works so beautifully. It is humble, yes, but incredibly flavorful.

Why This Stew Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

Before we dive into cooking, let me tell you why this recipe is such a keeper.

Versatile: Serve it on its own, with crusty bread, or even spooned over rice.

Budget-Friendly: Beans and canned tomatoes make this both hearty and affordable.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep.

Customizable: Add greens or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Smoky chorizo and creamy beans are always a winning combo.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen beautifully the next day.

Great for Leftovers: It reheats wonderfully and even tastes better after resting.

Chef Tips for Deep Flavor

A few small steps make a big difference here.

1. Brown the chorizo properly: Let it release its oils and develop color before adding other ingredients.
2. Sauté the aromatics in the chorizo oil: This builds layers of flavor right from the start.
3. Simmer gently: A slow simmer allows the beans to absorb the sauce without breaking apart.
4. Taste at the end: Adjust salt carefully since chorizo can be quite salty.

Tools That Make It Easy

Before you begin, gather what you need so everything flows smoothly.

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: Ensures even cooking and retains heat.

Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without breaking the beans.

Sharp Knife: For slicing chorizo and chopping aromatics.

Ladle: For serving generous bowls of stew.

Ingredients You Will Need For Butter bean & chorizo stew

Each ingredient builds that rich, smoky base.

1. Chorizo Sausage: 8 ounces, sliced into rounds, provides smoky spice and depth.
2. Butter Beans: 2 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed, create creamy texture.
3. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, helps sauté the base.
4. Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, adds sweetness.
5. Garlic Cloves: 3, minced, bring aromatic warmth.
6. Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, enhances smoky flavor.
7. Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 can, 14 ounces, form the rich tomato base.
8. Chicken Broth: 1 cup, adds savory depth.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon, adjust to taste.
10. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground for gentle heat.
11. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for brightness at the end.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Cooking should feel flexible and fun.

Chorizo Sausage: Spicy sausage for a similar smoky effect.

Butter Beans: Cannellini beans if butter beans are unavailable.

Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth for a lighter version.

The Real Stars of the Pot

Two ingredients truly define this stew.

Chorizo Sausage: It releases flavorful oils that season the entire dish.

Butter Beans: Their creamy interior balances the smoky, spiced sauce perfectly.

Let’s Get Cooking

Now let’s build this stew step by step.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil and sliced chorizo. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute more.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook to Perfection: Add drained butter beans, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in fresh parsley.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

A Rich Blend of Texture and Flavor

The sauce thickens as it simmers, coating the beans in smoky tomato goodness. The chorizo slices stay tender with slightly crisp edges. The beans are creamy but hold their shape, giving each spoonful a satisfying bite. The parsley at the end adds a fresh note that brightens the entire dish.

Extra Cooking Tips

Keep these ideas in mind for the best results.

• Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to deepen flavor.
• Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
• Stir gently to avoid breaking the beans.

What to Avoid for the Best Outcome

A few small mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Do not rush browning the chorizo, it builds the base flavor.
• Avoid oversalting early, taste after simmering.
• Do not boil aggressively, gentle simmering keeps beans intact.

Nutrition Overview

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 480

Note: These are approximate values.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This stew stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the beans may soften slightly after thawing.

How to Serve It Beautifully

Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad on the side keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Use leftovers as a filling for wraps or spoon over baked potatoes. It also works wonderfully as a topping for toasted bread for a quick lunch.

Extra Helpful Notes

Chorizo brands vary in saltiness and spice level, so taste as you go. Adjust seasoning at the end rather than at the beginning.

Make It a Showstopper

For an eye-catching presentation, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top just before serving and add a final scatter of parsley for vibrant color contrast.

Variations to Try

1. Add chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Stir in a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
3. Add diced red bell pepper with the onions for sweetness.
4. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit chorizo and use vegetable broth, adding extra smoked paprika for depth.

Q2: Are butter beans the same as lima beans?

Yes, large lima beans are often called butter beans.

Q3: Can I use dried beans?

Yes, soak and cook them fully before adding to the stew.

Q4: Is this stew spicy?

It has mild heat, but you can adjust based on your chorizo.

Q5: Can I cook this in advance?

Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day.

Q6: How do I thicken the stew?

Simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Q7: What bread pairs well?

Crusty sourdough or baguette works beautifully.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, carrots or bell peppers are great additions.

Q9: How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q10: What makes this stew special?

The smoky chorizo infuses the creamy beans with deep, comforting flavor.

Conclusion

Butter bean & chorizo stew is the kind of dish that feels both rustic and deeply satisfying. It is smoky, creamy, and full of bold flavor, yet simple enough for a weeknight. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it delivers comfort in every spoonful. Give it a try, and you may find it becoming one of your favorite cozy meals.

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