Delicious Butter Bean Hummus

By Danielle Nieman

This Hummus recipe calls for butter beans instead of garbanzo beans, and the taste difference is EXTRA creamy and flavorful!

This post is all about how to make Butter Bean Hummus.

If you’re a hummus lover, then you know this dip is traditionally made with garbanzo beans (or chickpeas), but substitute them for butter beans, and you’ll have the creamiest and most flavorful hummus dip EVER. Butter beans, also commonly called lima beans, and sieva beans, are large and smooth beans that have a thin skin and are loaded with nutrition.

These beans taste extra creamy and have a mild butter flavor that shines deliciously in this hummus recipe. They soak up the spices and herbs they blend with, making this dip the BEST you’ll ever taste.

You can purchase a can of butter beans at any grocery store or make them fresh. Tahini is added for earthy richness, and the spices, garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil add superb flavorings.

Check out this EASY step-by-step recipe below. Garnishing the top with Zaatar and fresh cilantro is optional but certainly recommended!

Butter Bean Hummus Recipe

Are Butter Beans And Cannellini Beans The Same?

No, they are different, even though they look similar. Butter beans are smaller than Cannellini beans and have a creamier texture. Cannellini beans are white kidney beans with firmer skin and contain higher amounts of protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Butter Beans, 15 ounces, drained.

• Tahini, 2 Tablespoons

• Garlic Cloves, 2

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon

• Lemon Juice, 1 Tablespoon

• Cumin, 1 Teaspoon

• Ground Coriander, 1 Teaspoon

• Kosher Salt to taste.

• Black Pepper to taste.

Optional Garnish Topping Ingredients For Butter Bean Hummus:

• Zaatar Seasoning

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Parsley

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Equipment Needed:

• Food Processor

• Colander Bowl

• Spatula

• Can Opener (for opening the can of beans)

• Measuring Spoons

• Shallow Serving Bowl

Is There A Difference Between Lima Beans And Butter Beans?

No, they are the same kind of bean with two different names. Butter beans and Lima beans come from the same species, Phaseolus Lunatus.

The difference in their name has to do with geography. In the U.K. and the Southern U.S., they’re mostly called butter beans, while the rest of the world often refers to them as Lima beans.

How To Make Butter Bean Hummus, Step-By-Step

Step 1: Drain the can of beans using a colander bowl.

Step 2: Add the drained beans, tahini, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and ground coriander to the food processor.

Step 3: Blend and pulse until you get a smooth, creamy paste. This may take 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add the butter bean hummus to a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle olive oil and add chopped cilantro and Zaatar seasoning (all optional garnishes). Enjoy with crackers, veggies, sliced bread, or warm pita chips.

Butter Bean Hummus Serving Tip:

While this dip was delicious from the start, I found that the hummus continued to improve after one hour in the refrigerator. This allows the ingredients to marinate together and chill before serving to guests. This step is highly recommended!

For Warm Pita Chips: Purchase pita bread, slice it into wedges, brush olive oil on top, and sprinkle each with sea salt or kosher salt. Toast them in the oven at 425 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes.

FAQs, Tips, & Variations For The Best Butter Bean Hummus Recipe

What Are Butter Beans?

Butter beans, called Lima beans, are large, creamy white beans high in fiber and protein. They taste slightly buttery, which is perfect for this smooth hummus dip!

Why Will I Love This Creamy And Smooth Hummus Appetizer Dip?

The butter beans make this dip stand out from a traditional hummus recipe that often calls for garbanzo beans or chickpeas. These beans add buttery notes and are extra creamy.

Can Butter Beans Be Used Instead Of Chickpeas?

Absolutely, which is how this recipe was born! The butter beans substitute the chickpeas.

How Would I Make Cannellini Bean Hummus?

Easy! Just follow this recipe but substitute the butter beans with Cannellini beans.

Can You Make White Butter Bean Hummus Without Tahini?

Yes, but the hummus might not be as creamy. Tahini adds a smooth texture and a nutty flavor (because of the ground sesame seeds) to this dip.

How Should I Store This Simple And Healthy Butter Bean Hummus Dip?

Store this Butter bean hummus in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.

Can I Use Dried Butter Beans?

Yes! It will take a bit longer, but once the beans are cooked, follow this recipe.

Is It Better To Use A Food Processor Or A Blender For Making Hummus?

You can use either one for this easy recipe!

Can I Freeze Hummus?

Yes, just be sure to freeze it in an airtight container. To defrost the hummus, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Is Butter Bean Hummus Vegan And Gluten-Free?

Yes, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free.

Final Thoughts On Butter Bean Hummus

I promise this Butter Bean Hummus is so delicious, and it’s perfectly flavored with spices, garlic, and fresh components like lemon juice and cilantro (optional). It’s also so easy and can be made in under 10 minutes. If you have some extra time, the homemade pita chips mentioned complement this dip nicely!

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