Zesty Hake with Butter Beans Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Delight

Succulent hake pairs beautifully with creamy butter beans in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish.

Coastal Portuguese traditions shine through each delectable bite.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the delicate fish nestled among soft, pillowy legumes.

Rich, velvety textures create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, promising a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this elegant yet straightforward recipe.

Let’s unlock the magic of this delightful culinary creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients For Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans

• Hake: A mild, white fish that provides a delicate and flaky texture to the dish.

• Lima Beans: A creamy, buttery legume that serves as the hearty base of this comforting recipe.

• Onion, Garlic Powder: These ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the beans.
• Creole Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that brings warmth and a subtle kick to the dish.
• Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle herbal background note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Ham: Adds a smoky, salty dimension to the beans when included.

• Butter: Contributes richness and a smooth, velvety texture to the bean mixture.

How To Prepare Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans

Step 1: Soak Butter Beans

Rinse the butter beans thoroughly under cool running water. Place them in a large pot and cover with water by about two inches. Let the beans sit and soften for an entire hour, allowing them to absorb moisture and become tender.

Step 2: Prepare Bean Cooking Liquid

Drain the soaked beans and give them another quick rinse. Return the beans to the pot and cover with fresh water. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Build Flavor Profile

• Chopped onions
• Garlic powder
• Creole seasoning
• Crushed red pepper
• Black pepper
• Bay leaves
• Butter

Stir these ingredients into the simmering beans to infuse deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beans

Allow the beans to simmer slowly for approximately 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If desired, add diced ham during the last hour of cooking for extra protein and smoky flavor.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the beans and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the creamy butter beans hot, accompanied by freshly baked cornbread or spooned over fluffy white rice for a complete meal.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans

• Soak Beans Properly: Rinse and soak lima beans for an hour to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add diced ham or smoked bacon during simmering for a rich, smoky undertone that complements the mild hake.
• Adjust Seasoning Smartly: Taste and modify Creole seasoning and pepper levels to match your heat preference without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Prevent Mushy Texture: Stir beans occasionally and maintain a gentle simmer to keep beans intact and prevent them from breaking down.
• Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair with warm cornbread or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful bean broth and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Ways To Add A Twist To Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans

• Spicy Seafood Swap: Replace hake with tilapia or cod for a different fish flavor, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings.
• Vegetarian Bean Feast: Omit fish and ham, add smoked paprika and liquid smoke for depth, use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Low-Sodium Version: Skip Creole seasoning, use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, reduce salt, and replace butter with olive oil.
• Instant Pot Shortcut: Transfer ingredients to pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, natural release for tender beans and faster preparation.

What To Serve With Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans

• Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Pairing Suggestions for Hake Butter Beans
• Uncork a Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the dish's richness and complement the buttery bean texture.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the beans to add brightness and elevate the overall flavor profile with a fresh, green note.
• Match with Hearty Side Bread: Serve warm cornbread or crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful bean liquid and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Balance with Tangy Slaw: Prepare a light, vinegar-based coleslaw to add crunch and acidity that will refresh the palate between bites of the rich, savory beans.

How To Keep Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled beans and hake to freezer-safe containers. Preserve for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing ham to maintain best texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm gently in saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add small amount of water or broth to restore moisture. Heat until steaming hot throughout.

Common Questions About Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans

• Are lima beans and butter beans the same thing?

Yes, lima beans and butter beans are actually the same legume, just harvested at different stages of maturity. Young, green lima beans are smaller and firmer, while mature butter beans are larger, creamier, and have a buttery texture.

• Why do I need to soak lima beans before cooking?

Soaking helps reduce cooking time, makes the beans more digestible, and helps remove some of the natural compounds that can cause digestive discomfort. The long soaking process softens the beans and helps them cook more evenly.

• Can I use canned butter beans instead of dried beans?

While you can use canned butter beans, dried beans offer a fresher taste and better texture. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and initial cooking steps, and simply add them to the recipe later with reduced cooking time.

Why Rick Stein Hake Butter Beans Recipe Shines

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming dish that wraps you in rich, satisfying flavors perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a substantial meal.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an approachable recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a delicious, protein-packed meal with minimal culinary skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Enjoy flexible cooking with options to add ham, adjust spice levels, and pair with cornbread or rice, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Benefit from a complete meal loaded with protein from beans and fish, packed with bold Creole seasonings that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Hake Butter Beans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rustic Portuguese Hake with Butter Beans delivers Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Rich flavors of delicate fish and creamy legumes merge seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each hearty bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) dried large lima beans
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced ham (optional)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter
• 1/2 large onion, diced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse lima beans under cool running water, ensuring no debris remains.
2. Submerge beans in water, allowing them to steep for 60 minutes at room temperature.
3. Drain and rinse beans again, removing any residual starch or impurities.
4. Transfer beans to a fresh pot, covering completely with clean water.
5. Gently bring liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
6. Incorporate aromatic seasonings including onion, garlic powder, Creole spice blend, crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, and fragrant bay leaves.
7. Add rich, creamy butter to enhance flavor profile and create smooth texture.
8. Allow mixture to simmer slowly for approximately 1-2 hours, periodically stirring to prevent sticking.
9. If desired, introduce diced ham after first hour of cooking to infuse additional smoky notes.
10. Periodically taste and adjust seasoning as beans tenderize and flavors develop.
11. Once beans reach tender consistency and liquid reduces, remove bay leaves.
12. Serve piping hot, accompanied by fluffy cornbread or steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Soak beans thoroughly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring even softening and better nutrient absorption.
• Add extra flavor by using smoked ham or bacon instead of regular ham for a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences.
• For gluten-free option, serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 245 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg