This velvety, nourishing dish offers all the indulgence of a creamy delicious beans meal without the heaviness or saturated fat typically found in double cream. Instead, it relies on tahini—a sesame paste that’s naturally rich in protein and calcium—to create a beautifully smooth, luxurious texture. Not only does tahini add nutritional value, but it also acts as a perfect base for carrying the deep, aromatic flavors of herbs and spices, making each bite wonderfully satisfying.
For the best results, it’s worth investing in a high-quality tahini, as its flavor and texture can truly elevate the dish (see recipe tips for guidance). While it pairs especially well with butter beans, you can easily substitute haricot beans, chickpeas, or cannellini beans depending on what you have on hand—each brings its own unique character while blending harmoniously with the creamy, spiced sauce.
542 kcal, 19.6g protein, 40.7g carbohydrate (including 5.8g sugars), 29.9g fat (including 4.4g saturated fat), 15.3g fibre, and 0.43g sodium are all included in each meal.
Creamy white beans with tahini ingredient list!
Here is the list of ingredients you need in order to make this delicious dish!
Two tablespoons of olive oil
100g (3½oz) of finely chopped onion
Two cloves of garlic, cut finely
Two teaspoons of dried oregano
Two teaspoons of cumin seeds
Three tablespoons of light tahini
400g of drained canned white beans, like haricot or butter beans
50g/1¾oz of freshly cut parsley with the leaves and stems separated
1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and extra virgin olive oil to pour over
To serve, toast two large slices of sourdough bread.
Creamy white beans with tahini step by step instruction method!
Step 1
Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer slightly but not smoke. Once the oil is hot, add the finely sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly. Cook the onions gently for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning. As they soften and begin to turn golden, their natural sweetness will start to develop, adding a rich depth of flavor to the dish. Continue cooking until they are lightly browned and aromatic, forming a flavourful base for the next steps of your recipe.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring it gently into the softened onions. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it begins to release its fragrant aroma—be careful not to let it burn. Next, sprinkle in your chosen spices, whether it’s cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, or a warming blend like garam masala. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the spices to toast slightly in the oil and mix evenly with the onions and garlic.
Step 3
Let the mixture cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, so the spices have time to bloom and release their full depth of flavor. This short but crucial step creates a richly aromatic base that will enhance the entire dish.
Step 4
Stir in the tahini, mixing it thoroughly with the aromatic onion, garlic, and spice mixture until well combined. Gradually pour in 50ml (2fl oz) of hot water, stirring continuously to help the tahini loosen and form a smooth, creamy sauce. The mixture may thicken at first, but keep stirring gently until it becomes silky and evenly blended. If the sauce seems too thick or stiff, add a splash more hot water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The result should be a rich, velvety base that’s full of flavor and ready to coat the beans or vegetables beautifully.
Step 5
Add the drained beans to the pan along with the chopped parsley—both the finely sliced stems and most of the leaves—reserving a small handful of the more delicate leaves for garnish later. Stir everything together gently, allowing the beans to become coated in the rich, creamy tahini sauce. Let the mixture cook over a low to medium heat for a few minutes, just long enough to warm the beans through without breaking them apart.
Step 6
As they heat, the beans will soak up the flavors of the garlic, spices, and tahini, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating, taking care not to mash the beans unless you prefer a creamier texture.
Step 7
Just before serving, finish the dish with a generous grind of freshly cracked black pepper to add a touch of warmth and complexity. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for a silky, aromatic finish that enhances the richness of the tahini sauce. Scatter over the reserved parsley leaves for a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor. Serve the beans warm, spooned into shallow bowls or onto plates, alongside thick slices of toasted sourdough bread.
The crisp, golden edges of the bread are perfect for scooping up the creamy beans and soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. For an added touch, you might rub the toast with a clove of garlic or drizzle it lightly with olive oil just before serving, turning a simple side into something truly special.
Creamy white beans with tahini- recipe tips!
If you’re looking to turn this dish into a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a piece of gently poached or pan-fried fish. The creamy, spiced beans provide a rich and satisfying base that complements the delicate flavor and flaky texture of white fish beautifully. A fillet of cod, haddock, sea bass, or even salmon would work particularly well. For poached fish, simmer gently in a lightly seasoned broth until just cooked through, keeping the texture tender and moist.
Alternatively, pan-fry the fillet in a little olive oil or butter until the skin is crisp and golden, and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Serve the fish on top of or alongside the beans, allowing the flavors to mingle on the plate. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top will lift the dish and add a welcome brightness, balancing the richness of the tahini sauce. This combination transforms the dish from a simple, comforting bowl into an elegant and well-rounded meal.
For more recipes like these creamy white beans with tahini, click on this link here!
For more articles, reviews and more, click here!
