Butter Bean Hummus – Our recipe for Butter Bean Hummus with tahini is a delicious alternative to traditional hummus; the butter beans take creaminess to the next level, and it’s dairy-free and vegan. Pair the dip with fresh pita bread or crunchy vegetables.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Butter Beans: Lima beans or butter beans have a creamy, buttery flavor- perfect for hummus.
- Tahini: Traditional hummus does not include tahini unless you’re making hummus bi tahina. However, I love the addition! The purpose of tahini in hummus is to create a smooth texture as the paste purees with chickpeas (or butter beans for this recipe).
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice complements the savoriness of the other ingredients.
- Garlic: I suggest using six cloves, but don’t let my recipe tell you how much garlic to use- measure with your heart.
- Spices: Season the butter bean hummus with ground cumin and kosher salt.
- Olive Oil: Since it’s central to the dish, use quality extra virgin olive oil.
HOW TO GARNISH HUMMUS
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, Basil, or Rosemary
- Sauces: Pesto Recipe, Skhug, Chili Oil, or Chili Crisp
- Vegetables: Roasted Beets, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Garlic
- Spices: Red Pepper Flakes, Smoked Paprika, Za’atar
- Fruit: Kalamata Olives
HOW TO MAKE BUTTER BEAN HUMMUS
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Combine butter beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
Add ice and process for 1-2 minutes until creamy; while the mixture is blending, pour the olive oil into the food processor.
Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and use a spoon to make a well. Drizzle with olive oil and let it rest for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with parsley or flavorful Skhug sauce.
PREPARATION TIPS
- Adding a couple of ice cubes to the food processor helps break down the ingredients into a creamier texture. After adding the ice, let it process for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
- When it comes to our butter bean hummus recipe, save the olive oil for last; doing so will perfectly balance the flavors and ensure you get the right consistency.
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SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pita Bread, Lavash, Pita Chips, Crackers
- Vegetables
- Dolmas
- Koobideh Kabob
- Falafels
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- TO STORE – The best way to store the leftovers is to place them in an airtight container; they will keep for 3-5 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do butter beans taste like chickpeas?
The two are mild and nutty with a similar flavor profile; the difference lies in the texture rather than the taste, with butter beans having a more smooth consistency.
What is the difference between lima beans and butter beans?
They are one and the same, though they are often sold at varied stages of maturity.
Why are they called butter beans?
Particularly in the Southern United States, lima beans are often called butter beans because they are smooth like butter! Even though this recipe strays from traditional hummus, it’s the creamiest hummus I have ever tasted.
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Butter Bean Hummus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups butter beans canned, drained, and rinsed
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-3 ice cubes
- ⅓ cup olive oil, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Combine butter beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
- Add ice and process for 1-2 minutes until creamy; while the mixture is blending, pour the olive oil into the food processor.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and use a spoon to make a well. Drizzle with olive oil and let it rest for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with parsley or flavorful skhug sauce.
Notes
- Adding a couple of ice cubes to the food processor helps break down the ingredients into a creamier texture. After adding the ice, let it process for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
- When it comes to our butter bean hummus recipe, save the olive oil for last; doing so will perfectly balance the flavors and ensure you get the right consistency.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.