Harissa butter beans are the kind of dish that surprises you—in the best way. Creamy, satisfying butter beans meet the smoky heat of North African harissa, then get cooled down with tangy coconut yogurt for the perfect balance. It’s quick, flavorful, and deeply nourishing. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to build big flavor with just a few pantry ingredients, all while keeping it anti-inflammatory and weeknight-easy. Whether you’re looking for plant-based comfort food or a bold twist on beans, this recipe delivers. If you’ve never tried harissa butter beans, get ready—they’re about to become a staple in your kitchen
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Healing Bowl With Soul and Spice
How my anti-inflammatory journey inspired this dish
Years ago, when I was struggling with inflammation and low energy, comfort food became complicated. I wanted something warm and satisfying, but most traditional comfort meals left me feeling heavy and bloated. That’s when I started building dishes around ingredients that loved my body back—and butter beans became a favorite. One rainy Portland afternoon, I opened my pantry and found a jar of harissa, a can of beans, and a lemon on the counter. That moment sparked the creation of what would become one of my go-to healing recipes: harissa butter beans.
This recipe is more than delicious—it’s intentional. Every ingredient serves a purpose. Butter beans are creamy, protein-rich, and gentle on digestion. Harissa brings warmth and depth without being overwhelming, and lemon brightens everything while supporting detox pathways. I added coconut yogurt for a cool contrast and healthy fats, then piled it all over toasted pita. The result was comforting, energizing, and full of flavor—without the crash I used to feel.
I’ve since made this dish for family dinners and even served it at a community meal focused on anti-inflammatory cooking. It always surprises people—especially those who’ve never used harissa before. If you’re used to basic bean recipes, harissa butter beans will open up a whole new flavor world.
Why harissa and butter beans are the perfect match
Butter beans are mellow and creamy, making them ideal for bold sauces. Harissa—a North African chili paste—adds spice, smokiness, and complexity that turns plain beans into a meal with real presence. The balance between creamy and spicy is what makes this dish work. But there’s more to it than taste. Harissa is made from anti-inflammatory ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil—making it a smart choice for flavor and wellness alike.
Add a splash of lemon for brightness and some coconut yogurt for contrast, and you’ve got a dish that’s bold but balanced. If you love meals that feel like comfort food but deliver serious benefits, you’ll love this one. Looking for more plant-based dishes with this kind of big flavor? Try my spiced lentil sweet potato soup or this zesty turmeric chickpea curry.
Harissa Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 2 tsp (10ml) olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 11/2 cups(225g) cooked butter beans
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp(30ml) harissa sauce, more to taste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup(130g) unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 2 small pita breads, toasted
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, sliced onion, crushed garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the butter beans, cherry tomatoes, and harissa sauce. Stir well and let cook for another 3–4 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Spread coconut yogurt onto serving plates or bowls.
- Spoon harissa butter beans over the yogurt and top with sliced avocado (if using).
- Serve with warm toasted pita and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chickpeas or cannellini beans if butter beans aren’t available.
- To reduce spice, mix harissa with a bit of tomato paste.
- Keeps well for 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently or enjoy cold over salad.
- To freeze, omit the yogurt and avocado. Freeze bean mixture for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
How to Make Harissa Butter Beans the Right Way
The flavors that make this dish stand out
What makes this dish so special is the way bold flavor meets gentle nourishment. Harissa brings a deep, smoky heat with just enough kick to wake up your taste buds, while butter beans deliver creamy satisfaction. Add in lemon, garlic, and coconut yogurt, and you’ve got a meal that hits every note—spicy, tangy, cool, and hearty.
This isn’t just about taste, though. These ingredients also work in harmony to support your health. Harissa, made with chili peppers and garlic, has anti-inflammatory compounds. Butter beans are high in fiber and protein. Coconut yogurt helps soothe digestion. Each spoonful is delicious and purposeful.
I’ve shared this dish with friends recovering from illness, with busy parents looking for quick dinners, and even at one of my healing community suppers. It always delivers that wow-factor because the flavors are layered but not complicated. Whether you’re new to harissa or a longtime fan, this combination is one you’ll crave often.
Step-by-step for big flavor and comfort
Start by warming olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté for a few minutes until everything softens and releases its aroma. This base sets the tone for the dish—rich, slightly sweet, and savory.
Next, stir in the butter beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of harissa. Let the flavors meld over medium heat. If the mixture starts to stick, just add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and loosen those browned bits—they’re pure flavor.
Finish by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. This last step brightens up the whole dish, balancing out the heat from the harissa. To serve, layer a dollop of coconut yogurt on each plate, spoon the hot harissa beans over it, and add sliced avocado if desired. Toasted pita on the side makes the perfect pairing.
If you’re into quick, nourishing bowls like this one, don’t miss my five-ingredient lentil salad or my creamy turmeric rice and greens, both built for weeknight ease with anti-inflammatory flair.
Why Harissa Butter Beans Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
Nutritional benefits that go beyond comfort
Harissa butter beans may taste indulgent, but this dish is built with nourishment in mind. Butter beans are an underrated powerhouse: rich in plant-based protein, packed with fiber, and full of iron and folate. They support steady energy, gut health, and even hormone balance—especially important for anyone dealing with inflammation or fatigue.
Then there’s harissa. This bold chili paste isn’t just for flavor—it’s made with ingredients like red chili, garlic, cumin, and olive oil. These spices are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The gentle heat can stimulate circulation and even improve digestion.
Coconut yogurt adds healthy fats and a creamy balance while remaining dairy-free, which can be key for sensitive systems. When served with pita and avocado, you’ve got a complete, deeply satisfying meal that nourishes without weighing you down.
This recipe has become part of my regular routine, not just for its taste but for how it makes me feel after. Light but grounded. Energized but calm. I often suggest it to clients looking for easy, anti-inflammatory dinner options. It’s a fantastic way to fuel your body with purpose and joy.
For more anti-inflammatory recipes that pack flavor, try my miso tahini noodles or roasted carrot hummus bowl for vibrant, gut-friendly options.
Easy swaps and creative variations
This recipe is flexible and forgiving, which makes it a great go-to. No butter beans on hand? Use cannellini or chickpeas. They both offer a similar creaminess and soak up the harissa beautifully. Want more veggies? Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms while sautéing the onion and pepper.
Not a fan of heat? Try a mild rose harissa or even blend harissa with plain tomato paste to tone it down. For extra protein, crumble in some baked tofu or top the dish with a jammy egg. And if you’re out of pita? Serve the beans over brown rice, quinoa, or spoon them into lettuce wraps for a grain-free option.
One of my favorite tricks is to double the recipe and serve leftovers cold the next day, drizzled with tahini and lemon juice. It transforms into a refreshing salad bowl that travels well for lunch.
Harissa butter beans are endlessly adaptable, and that’s the beauty of it. The core flavors—smoky, spicy, creamy—remain delicious, no matter how you tweak the details.
Serving Harissa Butter Beans with Intention and Ease
How to serve it for any occasion
Harissa butter beans are the definition of weeknight-worthy: quick, flavorful, and easy to plate beautifully. But they also shine when served to guests, thanks to their color, texture, and depth of flavor. The combination of warm beans, spicy sauce, cool yogurt, and creamy avocado layered together feels elevated—without any complicated prep.
I love serving them as a main with toasted pita or flatbread, but they also make an incredible side dish for grilled veggies or seared fish. For a plant-based dinner party, pair them with a roasted beet salad with tahini dressing or a citrus-dressed quinoa pilaf to create a table full of vibrant, healing dishes.
Presentation is easy: spread a generous swirl of coconut yogurt on a plate, spoon over the warm beans, scatter avocado slices or microgreens, and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil. The dish looks rustic and elegant all at once.
Make it work for meal prep and storage
These beans store incredibly well, which makes them perfect for busy weeks. After cooking, let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better. You can reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or enjoy them cold in a grain bowl.
For meal prep, make a double batch and portion it out with rice, greens, and yogurt into glass containers. They’re great as part of a lunch rotation—especially for anyone avoiding inflammatory foods without sacrificing flavor.
Want to take it further? Freeze a batch of just the bean and harissa mixture (without the yogurt or avocado). It will keep for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully when you’re short on time but still want something wholesome and deeply satisfying.
This recipe, like many I share on Yenloo, is about more than just what’s on the plate. It’s about making food that loves you back—and that fits your real life.
Conclusion
Harissa butter beans are more than a cozy, flavorful dish—they’re a celebration of how simple ingredients can offer real nourishment. Whether you’re exploring anti-inflammatory eating or just want something fast, comforting, and full of character, this recipe delivers. From its creamy beans to the fiery harissa and cooling yogurt, every bite brings balance.
This dish is a reflection of my cooking philosophy—food that heals, excites, and feels like home. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.
Ready to bring more healing meals to your table? Try my healing turmeric stew or spiced beet lentil bowls next.
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FAQs About Harissa Butter Beans
What spices go well with butter beans?
Butter beans have a mild, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with bold spices. Harissa is a top pick, but they also go well with cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, coriander, za’atar, and chili flakes. For a Mediterranean twist, try rosemary, thyme, or oregano. These beans are versatile, making them perfect for experimenting with new spice blends.
What is harissa butter?
Harissa butter is a compound butter made by blending softened butter with harissa paste. It’s rich, spicy, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for melting over roasted vegetables, spreading on bread, or tossing with grains. In dairy-free recipes like this one, coconut yogurt offers a creamy stand-in with a lighter touch and anti-inflammatory benefits.
What does harissa pair well with?
Harissa pairs wonderfully with legumes (like butter beans and lentils), roasted vegetables, grilled meats, eggs, and grains like couscous or quinoa. Its smoky heat complements earthy, sweet, or creamy flavors—making it ideal for dishes that include tomatoes, lemon, chickpeas, or dairy substitutes like coconut yogurt.
Is harissa anti-inflammatory?
Yes, harissa includes ingredients known for anti-inflammatory properties. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which may help reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Garlic and olive oil, two other key components, are also widely recognized for their health benefits in anti-inflammatory diets.