This creamy Butter Bean Hummus (lima bean hummus) is a delicious velvety twist on the traditional chickpea hummus. Seasoned with za'atar, (a popular Middle Eastern spice blend), tahini, lemon, olive oil, and roasted garlic- it's the perfect spread for dipping, layering sandwiches, and so much more!
I originally made this butter bean hummus to pair with grilled garlic scapes, and it was such a hit, that we dipped anything and everything into it. Carrots, chips, rice cakes- you name it. It's that good!
To make butter bean hummus, simply blend canned butter beans with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth and creamy. I like to add za'atar, a nutty spice blend generally consisting of thyme, sesame seeds, oregano, and sumac. If you don't have za'atar you can use a mixture of your favorite spices.
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What are butter beans?
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a type of legume native to Central and South America. They are named for their rich, buttery texture and slightly sweet, nutty taste. Butter beans pair beautifully with bold spices and fresh, bright flavors.
Ingredients
All you need are a few ingredients to make this irresistible butter bean spread.
- Butter beans (lima beans)- I buy them canned- so easy and adds to the creaminess. I only drain them slightly, so some of the starchy liquid stays behind.
- Tahini- This is traditional in hummus, and for good reason. Its nutty, creamy texture pairs so well with the mild lima beans. I learned recently that not all tahini's are created equal. I have been sticking with my favorite Soom brand, because of the great taste and right-out-of-the- jar creaminess. Depending on the brand of tahini you use, you may need to add a little hot water to thin it out.
- Garlic- You can use raw garlic, but instead I opt for roasted garlic. It has a milder flavor. I make it in bulk and freeze it for when I need it.
- Lemon- Adds acidity and balances out the flavor.
- Olive oil- I use extra virgin olive oil. Choose a quality olive oil. I always top off the hummus with a extra generous drizzle.
- Salt and pepper- For flavoring the hummus.
- Za'atar- For flavoring the hummus. Every time I serve it, it always has people guessing what the unique flavor is. You can use a mix of whatever spices you want.
- Sesame seeds or fresh herbs for topping- optional.
How to make butter bean hummus
All you need is a food processor or blender. Then add the ingredients, blend, and spread- that's it!
Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender.
Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute until creamy, adding more oil if needed.
How to make roasted garlic
This step is totally optional! You can use regular garlic cloves for the butter bean dip. I just prefer a more mild garlic flavor, and roasting the garlic helps to mellow its sharpness.
Preheat the oven to 425℉. Remove the papery skin from the garlic head. Using a knife, cut ¼ -½ inch off the top of the garlic, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in aluminum foil.
Roast the garlic in the oven for 40-50 minutes, until the garlic is golden brown, soft and caramelized. Allow to cool slightly before handling.
💡Expert tip
If your tahini is too thick, try adding a little hot water to get a thinner consistency. Give it a good stir to loosen any clumps.
Butter bean hummus flavor variations
This easy butter bean hummus is so customizable. You can re-create your favorite store-bought flavors right at home. Here are a few suggestions to try:
- Fresh herbs- Finely chop fresh herbs for a delicious herbed hummus. Dill, parsley, oregano, thyme, and chives are great choice.
- Roasted red pepper- Add ¼ cup roasted red pepper when blending for a roasted red pepper hummus.
- Artichoke- For an artichoke hummus, chop up some canned artichokes, and add to the food processor.
- Dried spices- Try a combination of cumin and smoked paprika for a smoky finish.
How to serve butter bean hummus
- Serve it like you would any hummus- Grab a full plate of crackers, pita, or fresh veggies, and you'll have an amazing appetizer.
- Spread it on toast- I love a good fancy toast, and this butter bean hummus would make a great base for this beet toast with dill.
- Layer it in your favorite sandwich- Try adding it to this heirloom tomato sandwich for another layer of flavor.
Storage
You can store butter bean spread in the fridge for up to one week. Choose an airtight container, and drizzle a little oil over the top to preserve it's freshness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! You can substitute cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, white beans, northern beans, etc. You may need to adjust the oil depending on how starchy the beans are.
Perfect pairings
Try using hummus on toast, eggs, or sandwiches.
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Butter Bean Hummus
Equipment
- food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce can butter beans (lima beans), drained but not rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
- 2 tablespoon tahini (tahina, ground sesame, tahini paste)
- 1 clove roasted garlic* or raw garlic *roasted garlic recipe included
- ¾ teaspoon za'atar or use your preferred spice (cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, etc.)
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper, plus more to taste
- sesame seeds or fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or blender.1 16 ounce can butter beans (lima beans), drained but not rinsed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling, 2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice (from about ½ lemon), 2 tablespoon tahini (tahina, ground sesame, tahini paste), ¾ teaspoon za'atar, ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt, plus more to taste, ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper, plus more to taste, 1 clove roasted garlic* or raw garlic
- Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until smooth and creamy. Add more oil if needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Garnish with an extra drizzle of oil, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs, if using.sesame seeds or fresh herbs for garnish
Roasted Garlic (Optional)
- Preheat the oven to 425℉. Remove the papery skin from the garlic head. Using a knife, cut ¼ -½ inch off the top of the garlic, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in aluminum foil.
- Roast the garlic in the oven for 40-50 minutes, until the garlic is golden brown, soft and caramelized. Allow to cool slightly before handling. Store the remaining garlic in an air-tight container in the fridge submerged in oil for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- If your tahini is too thick, try adding a little hot water to get a thinner consistency. Give it a good stir to loosen any clumps.
- You can store butter bean spread in the fridge for up to one week. Choose an airtight container, and drizzle a little oil over the top to preserve it's freshness.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Jennifer says
Delicious!