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Creamy Butter Beans with Leeks, Roasted Cabbage & Paprika Oil

COOK TIME:

60MINS

SERVES:

3

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This dish is creamy complemented by the sweetness of roasted cabbage and leeks. The beans are gently crushed into their cooking liquid and olive oil, made more creamy with a plant based cream. This is not a protein-heavy meal, and it isn’t meant to be. Instead, it’s filling and rich in fibre, working well as a vegetable-led main.
Butter beans are high soluble fibre, which slows how quickly the meal is digested, while cabbage and leeks contribute fermentable fibres that support gut bacteria. This dish also provides minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
It's best suited as a later meal or on rest days.

ALLERGENS: NONE

Chicken Salad with Beetroot Chips & Yoghurt Dressing

Ingredients 

1 small white cabbage

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 medium leeks

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 small sprig thyme (whole, stems intact)

1 bay leaf

400 g jar large butter beans (use with their cooking liquid)

150 ml light vegetable stock or hot water

60g (approx. 4 tbsp) oat cream or dairy cream

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Finely grated lemon zest

1–1½ tbsp lemon juice

Sea salt, to taste


SMOKED PAPRIKA OIL

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp smoked paprika


SPICED SEED POWDER

2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp sunflower seeds

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste

pinch of sea salt


TO SERVE

Smoked paprika olive oil

1 tsp spiced seed powder

Corn greens, lightly dressed with olive oil



Instructions

  1. Prepare the paprika oil first. Warm the olive oil gently in a small pan over very low heat. Remove from the heat, stir in the smoked paprika and set aside to infuse. Do not allow the oil to sizzle or colour.

  2. Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage, cut it in half, remove and discard the hard core, then cut each half into wedges. Place the wedges in a roasting tin, drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with a sheet of baking paper and a sheet of foil and bake for 30 minutes.

  3. Remove the cabbage from the oven, discard the foil and baking paper, and brush the cut surfaces lightly with the smoked paprika oil. Return the tray to the oven uncovered and roast for 15–20 minutes, until tender with caramelised edges. Remove and set aside.

  4. Trim the leek ends, slice lengthways, then finely slice crossways into 1 cm ribbons. Wash thoroughly and drain well, drying with a clean tea towel.

  5. Heat the olive oil in a wide pan over low to medium heat. Add the leeks with a small pinch of salt and cook gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until fully softened and collapsed. They should not colour.

  6. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

  7. Add the thyme sprig and bay leaf, stir briefly, then add the stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

  8. Add the butter beans and cook for 5–7 minutes, keeping the heat low to medium.

  9. Remove the thyme and bay. Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently crush a small portion of the beans against the side of the pan to thicken the liquid while keeping some of the beans whole.

  10. Stir in the cream, mix well and allow to simmer for 1 minute. If using nutmeg, add a very small pinch.

  11. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stir and taste, then add up to ½ tbsp morelemon juice if needed. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt if required.

  12. Spoon one third of the bean mixture into the centre of a wide pasta plate. Arrange three cabbage wedges on top, drizzle any remaining paprika oil around the cabbage, add a small amount of corn greens, and finish with the seed powder. Serve warm.


NOTES:

  1. Cannellini beans can be used in place of butter beans for a softer, more uniform texture. They break down more easily and will

give a creamier base with less manual crushing.

  1. For the smoked paprika oil; Store in a clean, sealed jar at room temperature, away from direct light. It will keep well for up to 1 week. Always use a clean spoon and discard if the aroma dulls or turns bitter.

  2. Spiced seed powder; store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use within 5–7 days . The oils in the seeds can turn stale over time, so make small batches and avoid storing near heat or light.


Nutritional value per portion* / Calories: ~370kcal, Protein: ~7.5 g, Fibre: ~11.5 g, Carbohydrates: ~33.5 g, Fat: ~22.5 g


*The nutritional values in these recipes are AI-generated estimates and should be used as a guideline. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate information, please check product labels or consult a nutrition professional

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You may also want to try: 

Chicken Salad with Beetroot Chips & Yoghurt Dressing (GF)

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