On its own, the humble butter bean doesn’t seem that exciting. The taste is incredibly mild (some might even say boring), but this distinct lack of flavor is actually their superpower. Butter beans are talented culinary shapeshifters—they can absorb other flavors well, and their buttery insides bring a nice creamy texture to sauces, soups, and purées, without overpowering the taste. Plus, they’re a powerhouse of plant-based nutrition. So, with all that in mind, it makes sense that they’re having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight right now.
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Why are butter beans so popular?
Butter beans, also called lima beans, are part of the white bean family, alongside cannellini beans, great northern beans, and navy beans. They all have similar properties and can be used interchangeably in recipes. But it’s butter beans, in particular, that seem to have…