Crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying, these Roasted Tahini Butter Beans are the perfect plant-based snack or side dish.
Packed with protein and fiber, they support healthy digestion and keep you full longer, while the tahini adds heart-healthy fats with minimal saturated fat.
Quick, effortless, and oven-baked, they’re an ideal everyday treat or easy meal-prep addition.
Roasted Tahini Butter Beans
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 can 16 oz / 453 g butter beans, drained and patted dry
- ¼ cup 60 g tahini
- 1 Tbsp 15 mL olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s fully hot when the beans go in, which helps achieve maximum crispiness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set the prepared baking sheet aside for now while you prepare the beans.
- Drain and Dry Butter Beans: Open a 16-ounce can of butter beans and pour them into a colander. Rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess sodium or canned taste. Next, pat each bean dry with paper towels, pressing gently but thoroughly to remove as much surface moisture as possible. Drying the beans is crucial because it helps them crisp up evenly in the oven instead of steaming.
- Prepare Tahini Coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup tahini and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the ½ teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Use a whisk or spoon to blend the ingredients until you have a smooth, slightly thick sauce with an even distribution of spices. The tahini not only adds nutty flavor but also helps the spices stick to the beans.
- Coat the Beans Thoroughly: Gently fold the dried butter beans into the tahini mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to carefully toss the beans, making sure each one is lightly and evenly coated with the tahini-spice mixture. Avoid mashing the beans—they should remain intact to achieve a satisfying crunch after roasting.
- Arrange Beans for Roasting: Transfer the coated beans onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Make sure the beans are not crowded; overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, which prevents crispiness. A single layer ensures even exposure to heat on all sides.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, flipping the beans once halfway through. Use a spatula to gently turn them over, ensuring both sides brown evenly. The beans should turn a golden brown color and emit a pleasant nutty aroma when fully roasted. Keep in mind that they will continue to crisp slightly as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re not rock-hard immediately.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the beans from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes. Cooling allows them to firm up into a crunchy texture. Once cooled slightly, transfer to a serving bowl or storage container. Enjoy immediately as a snack, or pair them with salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables for a flavorful, protein-packed addition.
Notes
- Always dry the beans thoroughly before roasting. Excess moisture will prevent them from crisping properly.
- Use freshly opened tahini for the best nutty flavor and smooth coating.
- Spread beans in a single layer to ensure even browning; overcrowding leads to steaming.
- Flip beans once halfway through baking for a uniform golden color and crunchy texture.
- Allow beans to cool slightly on the baking sheet; they firm up as they cool, enhancing crispiness.
Chef’s Secrets: Expert Tips For Perfect Crispy Beans
Achieving perfectly crunchy tahini butter beans is all about preparation and timing.
Always ensure the beans are well-drained and patted dry, as moisture is the main culprit for soggy results.
Gently tossing the beans in the tahini mixture rather than vigorously stirring prevents them from breaking apart.
For extra depth, lightly toast the tahini in a dry pan for a few seconds before mixing; this intensifies its nutty flavor.
Finally, baking at a high temperature and flipping once during cooking guarantees even roasting and that golden-brown crunch everyone loves.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Ideas For Every Meal
These crispy tahini butter beans are versatile enough to enjoy in multiple ways.
Serve them straight from the oven as a snack, paired with a cold beverage or tea.
They also make a flavorful salad topping or a crunchy addition to grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or wraps.
For a fun appetizer, toss them with extra spices like cumin or chili powder and serve alongside hummus or yogurt-based dips.
Their hearty texture and nutty flavor complement nearly any meal, making them a quick and satisfying addition.
Storage Tips: Keep Beans Crunchy Longer
To maintain freshness and crunch, store cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Avoid leaving them in a sealed container at room temperature for extended periods, as moisture can make them soft.
When ready to eat, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore their crisp texture.
For short-term storage (a few hours), beans can remain at room temperature in a covered bowl, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking or picnic trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other beans instead?
Yes! Chickpeas, navy beans, or cannellini beans can be substituted, but cooking times may vary slightly. Make sure to pat any beans dry to achieve a crispy texture.
2. Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is 100% plant-based and naturally gluten-free, relying on simple pantry ingredients like butter beans, tahini, and spices.
3. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the tahini mixture for a kick. Adjust spices gradually to match your heat preference.
4. How do I store leftover beans?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness, as microwave reheating may make them soft.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the beans and coat them in the tahini mixture a few hours in advance. Store them uncovered on the baking sheet in the fridge and roast just before serving for optimal crunch.
