10 Best Butter Beans Substitutes Plus Low Carb Options

When it comes to butter beans, there are a lot of people who love them and a lot of people who hate them. I happen to be one of the people who loves them. I grew up eating butter beans often and I still enjoy them today. If you’re looking for a butter beans substitutes in your recipe, here are some great options that you can use.

What do Butter Beans Taste Like?

Butter beans are a type of legume that gets its name from its creamy, buttery texture. They have a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. When cooked, butter beans are soft and delicate, making them a great addition to soups and stews. They can also be mashed or pureed and used as a healthy alternative to sauces and dips. Whatever way you choose to enjoy them, butter beans are a delicious and versatiles addition to any meal. Except when you run out and need an alternative! No, worries we got you covered.

Common Uses for Butter Beans

Butter beans, also known as lima beans. They are named for their rich, buttery flavor, and they can be used in a variety of ways. Butter beans are often used as a side dish, but they can also be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and dips. They are also a popular ingredient in salads.

When cooked properly, butter beans are tender and creamy. They can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger dish.

The Best Butter Bean Substitutes

1. Fava Beans

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a type of legume that is similar in size and shape to butter beans. They have a slightly nutty flavor and can be used as a butter bean substitute in most recipes. Make sure you use dried fava beans instead of fresh ones. Both are wonderful, but when it comes to swapping out lima beans, you want to go with dried.

2. Navy Beans

Navy beans are a type of small, white bean that gets its name from the fact that it was a staple food of the United States Navy in the 19th century. Navy beans have a mild flavor and a creamy texture, making them a good substitute for butter beans.

3. Great Northern Beans

Great northern beans are a type of white bean that is named after the region where they were first cultivated, the Great Plains of North America. Great northern beans have a mild flavor and a firm texture, making them a good substitute for butter beans.

4. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a type of red bean that is named after their shape, which resembles a kidney. Kidney beans have a strong, earthy flavor and a creamy texture, making them a good substitute for butter beans.

5. Black Beans

Black beans are a type of black bean that is native to South America. Black beans have a strong, earthy flavor and a firm texture. These beans are quite versital much like butter beans substitute for butter beans.

6. Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans are also known as chickpeas and are a type of legume that is native to the Mediterranean region. Garbanzo beans have a nutty flavor and a firm texture. They do have a distinct flavor. So, if you’re a fan of them then go for it, but if you are not, then I would encourage you to check out one of the milder beans like cannellini.

7. Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are a type of white kidney bean that is native to Italy. Cannellini beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture, making them a good substitute for butter beans. They work wonderfully for soups, pasta dishes, salads, and more. It holds its shape well, and because of it’s mild flavor, it blends well with other ingredients.

8.Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are a type of red bean that is native to Mexico. Pinto beans have a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy texture, making them a good substitute for butter beans, but pinto beans tend to have a distinct flavor. The are easily found canned or dried.

Low Carb or Keto Substitutes for Butter Beans

When following a low-carb or even keto diet means, beans are usually booted off the list. Even though legumes do have protein they are also packed with starch. And that’s a big no-no. But what if you have a family recipe that you would love to make low carb or keto friendly? Well, here are two options that might work if you need a butter bean replacement!

*Please avoid these substitutes if you have a soy allergy.

1. Soybeans

Soybeans are a type of legume that is native to East Asia. Soybeans have a nutty flavor and a firm texture, making them a good substitute for butter beans. These also work great if you are in a low carb or keto diet. As they are low in carb and high in protein.

2. Edamame

Edamame are immature soybeans that are often served as an appetizer or side dish in Japanese restaurants. Edamame have a mild nutty flavor and a slightly soft texture, making them a good substitute. They can be eaten hot or cold making it a great for things like salad or soup.

Final Thoughts on Alternatives to Butter Beans

If you’re looking for a butter bean substitute, any of the options on this list will work well in most recipes. Each option has a similar texture to butter beans, so you can use them interchangeably in most dishes. Flavor does play a factor. Some means have more of a distinct flavor. As you go through this list take note of that.

Also, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some substitutes may take longer to cook than others if you are using dry beans. If you opted for canned or jarred beans you can skip that step completely.

Butter beans are a delicious and versatile legume that can be used in so many dishes and now you don’t have to worry when you run out!

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