Name: Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 5 oz cashews; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 thumb-size piece ginger, pressed or finely chopped; 1-2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped; 2 teaspoons garam masala; ¼ teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon curry powder; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon tomato paste; 1 ¼ cup vegetable stock; 14 oz butter beans, drained and rinsed if canned; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of rich, aromatic spices and buttery smooth beans that come together in a luxuriously creamy sauce. Not only is it packed with protein and texture, but it’s also incredibly comforting and satisfying—the kind of meal that makes you want to savor every bite and maybe even go back for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned curry fan or just discovering the magic of plant-based dishes, this recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pot, there is one layer of cooked onions mixed with dark brown spices. The onions are soft and slightly translucent, scattered evenly across the bottom of the pot. The spices create a rich, dark coating mixed with oily bits, giving a textured appearance to the layer. The pot has two white handles and rests on a white marbled surface. The cooking remnants stick lightly around the edges of the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture. From the earthy spices to the creamy cashews, every component brings something special to the table.

5 oz cashews: Soaked in hot water to become the secret to the curry’s silkiness.
1 yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 thumb-size ginger piece: Provides a zesty, warming brightness.
1-2 garlic cloves: Essential for that robust, savory foundation.
2 teaspoons garam masala: The soul of the dish with its complex, warm aroma.
¼ teaspoon turmeric: Brings subtle earthiness and a beautiful golden color.
1 teaspoon coriander: Adds a hint of citrus and nuttiness.
1 teaspoon cumin: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet undertone.
1 teaspoon curry powder: A blend that ties all the spices together.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A whisper of warmth and sweetness that surprisingly enhances savory flavors.
2 tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, lending a vibrant acidity.
1 teaspoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the sauce.
1 ¼ cup vegetable stock: Creates the base liquid, enriching the curry.
14 oz butter beans: Creamy and tender, the curry’s main protein star.
Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly balance and elevate all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cashews

Start by soaking the cashews in hot water. This step is key because it softens them, allowing the cashews to blend into a deliciously creamy base for your curry sauce. While they soak, you can chop and prepare the rest of your ingredients, making this recipe efficient as well as tasty.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan set to medium heat. Toss in your chopped yellow onion and cook gently for a few minutes until translucent and fragrant. This caramelized sweetness sets the stage for the richer curry flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Ginger, Garlic, and Spices

Next, stir in your finely chopped or pressed ginger and garlic. The warmth of these fresh aromatics will awaken the pan. Then sprinkle in garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, curry powder, and cinnamon. Stir to coat the onions and toast the spices just until their incredible fragrances fill the kitchen. This step is when the curry starts to come alive.

Step 4: Cook the Tomatoes

Throw in your roughly chopped fresh tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Allow them to cook for a couple of minutes as they soften and meld with the spices, creating a rich, velvety base that’s tangy and savory.

Step 5: Simmer with Vegetable Stock

Pour in the vegetable stock and let everything simmer gently for about 12 minutes. This simmering time helps the flavors deepen and the sauce develop body, setting the stage for the final creamy texture.

Step 6: Blend the Cashews and Sauce

Drain the soaked cashews and transfer them to a blender. Carefully add the curry sauce from the pot to the blender as well, then blend until you have a perfectly smooth and lump-free sauce. This transformation is what gives this curry its creamy, indulgent feel without any dairy.

Step 7: Combine Beans and Sauce

If you’re using canned butter beans, rinse them well under cold water to remove any canning liquid. Pour the blended sauce back into the pot and stir in your butter beans. Let everything mingle over low heat so the beans soak up those spicy, creamy flavors.

Step 8: Season and Finish

Taste your curry and adjust with salt and pepper. If you like, add a touch of sweetness like maple syrup or sugar to balance the spices perfectly. Now your Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe is ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe

The dish shows a rich, creamy orange sauce with a thick texture, covering white round pieces that look soft and smooth. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered on top for color. Black sesame seeds are sprinkled across the sauce, adding small dark spots. The right side of the image shows fluffy white rice grains mixed with more cilantro. A silver spoon lifts a portion of the sauce and white pieces, with the sauce glistening and small red oil drops visible. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your curry with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds. A dollop of coconut yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing contrast that lifts the creamy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm, buttery naan bread to soak up every delicious drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad can add a lovely textural contrast and coolness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the curry in mini hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside spiced quinoa for a protein-packed bowl. You might also drizzle some chili oil or swirl in a swirl of coconut cream on top to wow your guests with a colorful finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after resting, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this curry to enjoy later by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its creamy texture well after thawing and can be frozen for up to 2 months, ideal for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the curry gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to bring back that lovely silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other beans instead of butter beans?

Absolutely! Chickpeas or cannellini beans make great substitutes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and creaminess might vary slightly, but the curry will still be delicious.

Is this curry suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan. It uses plant-based ingredients like cashews and vegetable stock to achieve the creamy texture without any dairy.

How spicy is this curry?

This curry has a moderate warmth from the spices but isn’t overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding chili powder or fresh chilies if you want more kick.

Can I make this curry oil-free?

You can reduce or omit the oil by sautéing the onions and spices in a bit of vegetable stock or water instead. While this might change the flavor slightly, it will still be tasty and healthy.

What’s the best way to soak cashews quickly?

Using hot water is the fastest way to soften cashews. Just cover them with boiling water and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Creamy Butter Bean Curry Recipe. It’s easy to pull together, full of vibrant flavors, and comforting enough to cozy up with any time. I can’t recommend it enough—you’re going to love how creamy, hearty, and satisfying this dish is. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!