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Cherry Tomato Ricotta Beans

Author: By The Forkful
263kcal
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Prep 5 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 25 minutes
A lovely, minimum-effort, one-pot meal that's packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients. Great as a warm lunch or light dinner.
Servings 2 -3 servings
Course Beans, Main Meals
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 white onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 150 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 60 ml water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 400 g tin butter beans drained and rinsed
  • 75 g baby spinach chopped
  • 50 g ricotta
  • 5-6 basil leaves shredded
  • 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a pan and add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
    2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 white onion, 3 garlic cloves
  2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with the water and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the pan and let the tomatoes steam for 10 minutes. 
    150 g cherry tomatoes, 60 ml water, Salt and pepper to taste
  3. Remove the lid and use your spoon to break down the tomatoes. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the onions and garlic for a minute or two.
    2 tablespoon tomato paste
  4. Add the butter beans, lemon juice, zest, and spinach. Stir while the spinach wilts down (2-3 minutes), then taste and adjust any seasonings.
    1 lemon, 400 g tin butter beans, 75 g baby spinach
  5. Top the beans with the ricotta, basil leaves, and red chili flakes.
    50 g ricotta, 5-6 basil leaves, 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
  6. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories263kcalCarbohydrates34gProtein9gFat12gSaturated Fat2gPolyunsaturated Fat9gCholesterol5mgSodium97mgFiber7gSugar16g

Notes

Here are a couple of my top tips for making the most out of this recipe - I always test my recipes at least twice before publishing them (but honestly, I make a version of these beans most weeks for a quick lunch to meal prep - so I’ve had a lot of practice!):
  • Covering the tomatoes is key. It traps steam, so they break down quickly without needing loads of liquid. Use the back of a spoon to crush the tomatoes once they soften - you’ll get a rustic sauce without blending.
  • Taste after adding lemon. Lemon can brighten everything, but it also might need an extra pinch of salt afterward.

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