Butter Beans alla Vodka

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Original Recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and very thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided (more or less if desired)
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vodka
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 (15-ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• Balsamic vinegar for serving
• Chili flakes for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley for serving

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare them for cooking.
2. In a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and season with teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
4. Add the thinly sliced garlic and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but the onions dont brown.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and deepen in color.
6. Next, add the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. For a slightly chunky texture, simply mix. For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to puree until desired consistency is reached.
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
9. Add the vodka to the sauce, bring it to a low simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the flavors meld together.
10. Once the sauce is ready, transfer half of it to an airtight . Store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
11. Add the butter beans to the remaining sauce, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the beans are heated through.
12. Serve the dish drizzled with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and some chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	830
Total Fat	44g (57% DV)
Saturated Fat	27g (136% DV)
Cholesterol	129mg (43% DV)
Sodium	860mg (37% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	79g (29% DV)
Dietary Fiber	22g (77% DV)
Total Sugars	28g
Protein	27g (54% DV)
Vitamin C	35mg (39% DV)
Calcium	260mg (20% DV)
Iron	9mg (53% DV)
Potassium	2337mg (50% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Butter Beans alla Vodka: Culinary Story and Cultural Insights

Butter Beans alla Vodka is a contemporary twist on the classic Italian pasta sauce known as Penna alla Vodka. Traditionally, this sauce features a smooth blend of tomato, cream, and vodka, creating a slightly tangy yet rich flavor profile. The adaptation with butter beans offers a hearty, protein-rich variation suitable for both vegetarian and omnivorous diets. This dish has gained popularity online for its simplicity and versatility, making it a modern weeknight favorite.

Historical Origins

The original Vodka sauce is believed to have emerged in Italy in the 1970s, a product of culinary experimentation combining tomato sauce with vodka to release certain flavor compounds from the tomatoes that alcohol can enhance. The butter bean variation likely evolved in North America, where cooks began substituting pasta with legumes to create a protein-packed, gluten-free version while retaining the creamy, indulgent sauce that characterizes Vodka sauce.

Regional Characteristics

While traditional Vodka sauce is closely associated with Roman cuisine, Butter Beans alla Vodka reflects a fusion style, blending Italian technique with American ingredient preferences. In this version, the use of canned butter beans adds a creamy texture without the need for prolonged cooking. The incorporation of chili flakes, balsamic vinegar, and fresh parsley is more typical of American adaptations, giving it a slightly spicier and tangier flavor than its Italian counterpart.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic Penne alla Vodka, which is always pasta-based, this dish uses butter beans as the main body, providing a thicker, more filling experience. Compared to other creamy tomato-based bean dishes, the addition of vodka is unique, as it subtly intensifies the tomatos sweetness while balancing the richness of butter and cream. The technique of partially simmering the vodka-infused sauce before combining it with beans also sets it apart, ensuring a smooth, layered taste.

Typical Serving Contexts

Butter Beans alla Vodka is commonly served as a main course during casual weeknight dinners, especially for families seeking a quick but satisfying meal. It can also appear in vegetarian-friendly restaurants or modern Italian bistros as a hearty entre. Garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan, chili flakes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar elevates its presentation, making it suitable for informal dinner parties as well.

Interesting Facts

• Vodka in the sauce does not make it alcoholic once cooked; most of the alcohol evaporates during simmering, leaving only flavor enhancement.
• Butter beans are sometimes called lima beans, and their creamy texture pairs exceptionally well with rich sauces.
• This dish has gained viral attention online as a pandemic comfort food, highlighting how simple ingredients can create gourmet-like experiences at home.
• The creamy, slightly spicy sauce can be stored and reused, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• The combination of butter, cream, and vodka creates a delicate emulsion that is difficult to replicate with olive oil alone, which is why this dish stands out among simple bean recipes.

Overall, Butter Beans alla Vodka is a fusion dish that celebrates Italian flavor traditions while embracing modern, accessible ingredients. Its balance of creaminess, slight acidity, and aromatic hints of vodka makes it both comforting and sophisticated, demonstrating how culinary innovation can transform simple pantry staples into a standout meal.

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