Beans in Tomato Sauce

Name: Beans in Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 2 to 4 servings
Cuisine: Spanish Menu
Ingredients: Lima Beans — 800 g; Extra Virgin Olive Oil — 2 tbsp; Onion — 1; Garlic — 2 cloves; Sweet Smoked Paprika — 1 tsp; Hot Smoked Paprika — ½ tsp; Tomato Sauce — 400 g; Sea Salt — To taste

This traditional Spanish beans with tomatoes and onions dish, or alubias con tomate y cebolla, features creamy butter beans simmered in a luscious, savoury tomato sauce. Enhanced with a perfect balance of sweet and hot smoked paprika, this simple yet incredibly flavourful meal is a versatile comfort classic, ideal as a quick appetiser served with crusty bread or as a hearty main when paired with fluffy white rice.

Cuisines

Cooking Instructions

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 to 4

Notes:

Lima beans, or butter beans, are the traditional choice for this recipe; they are available pre-cooked, frozen, jarred, or dried, all of which are suitable provided you follow the appropriate preparation instructions for your selection.

The combination of sweet and hot smoked paprika is the secret to this dish; the sweet paprika provides a deep, smoky undertone, while the hot variety adds a subtle, pleasant kick that lifts the entire flavour profile.

This dish is remarkably versatile; serve it warm as a comforting appetiser alongside crusty bread to mop up the rich tomato sauce, or plate it over steamed white rice for a substantial, satisfying main course.

If you cannot find specific Spanish smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, though you will lose the signature smoky depth that defines the authentic version of this classic stew.

For a faster preparation, using pre-cooked or jarred beans is highly recommended; simply drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the pan to ensure the sauce remains thick and concentrated.

Sauté Aromatics
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Prepare Sauce
Stir in the sweet and hot smoked paprika, mixing quickly to avoid burning, then add the tomato sauce and a pinch of salt.

Simmer
Reduce the heat and let the tomato sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and the flavours integrate well.

Combine
Add the prepared butter beans into the pan, season with extra salt if needed, and gently stir until the beans are thoroughly coated and warmed through.

Finish and Serve
Remove from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or steamed white rice.