These Spanish beans with tomatoes and smokey sweet spices are so easy to make in one pot in less than 20 minutes with just 7 ingredients. Only 125 calories per serving, this Spanish bean stew recipe is perfect as tapas, main meals or a side dish. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
Spanish Beans
This easy gluten free vegan recipe for Spanish beans is rich, flavourful and smoky.
The white beans stew in the thick tomato sauce, spiced with paprika.
This version of Gigantes Beans is smokey and delicious, perfect mopped up with a hunk of fresh bread.
You can serve it as tapas, on its own or as a side dish.
Plus, it's ready in just 20 minutes!
This recipe was originally published in June 2016. Updated November 2018.
Why you'll love this recipe
Only takes 20 minutes.
Hearty and filling.
Makes a great tapas, side dish or main meal with bread or rice.
Uses just a few pantry ingredients and a few fresh.
Only 125 calories per serving
Ingredients
You only need a few simple pantry and fresh ingredients to make tasty Spanish beans:
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Bay leaves
Smoked paprika
Canned (or cooked) Lima beans (aka butter beans)
Canned tomatoes
Spinach
Tools needed:
Large sautee pan, pot or frying pan
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Reader Testimonials
Loads of you have been making this recipe! Here are some reader reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'These Spanish beans were so simple and easy to make, and not to mention delicious. I made the naan bread suggested in the post and that was quick simple and went perfect with the beans. I surly will be making this again and again for my family. ' - Karen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Amazing, really quick, easy and full of flavour. Served the gigantes beans over rice." - Ali
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This Spanish bean stew was very easy to make and it was delicious!' - Catherine
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Very simple and tasty. Smoked paprika really adds a layer of flavour. I served over rice for a complete meal.' - Mitchel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This has become a regular meal in our house.' - Katie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Absolutely delicious! I was pleasantly surprised that little seasoning was needed. I was tempted to add a little 'All Seasoning' but it was not necessary. I normally take a photo but the family and I devoured it and there is none left. I would definitely make this again.' - Debbie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I used both sweet and hot Spanish pimenton, also some cinnamon, and cooked it slow and long. Good flavour' - Julia
Have you made these Spanish Beans? Let me know in the comments!
What are Spanish Beans?
In Spain, you can often find versions of this bean stew on tapas menus. Large white beans (lima beans / butter beans) are cooked in a rich and smoky tomato stew that's seasoned with smoked paprika.
At the end, a large handful of fresh spinach leaves is added and wilted into the stew.
Spanish Beans are delicious hot as a stew, side dish or tapas.
They're also delicious cold as a hearty salad.
Expert Tips
I used canned white beans (butter/lima beans) for these gigantes beans but you can also used dried beans. Just soak them for 4 hours or overnight in a bowl with plenty of cold water. Then drain and rinse them before boiling for 45 minutes. Then carry on with the recipe.
You can substitute any other white beans in this bean stew that you have to hand such as Great Northern beans, though I like the large butterbeans, lima beans. They have a great potato-like texture that really makes this a hearty dish.
Be sure to get the onions nice and soft before moving on to the next step so they're soft and flavorful.
For a quick side dish, my yeast free naan bread recipe is a tasty flatbread that's perfect for mopping up the Spanish Beans' juices and only takes minutes to make.
Spanish Recipes
My husband recently returned from a trip to Almeria in Andalusia, southeastern Spain.
He was raving about the beans in tomato sauce that he had and said that they were an amazing vegan option.
I've tried to recreate them here, but this is definitely an adaptable Spanish stew dish.
If you like things spicy, then go for a hotter paprika, if you like them sweeter then use a sweet/smoky paprika.
You could even add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for another flavour dimension.
You can serve these Spanish beans as tapas alongside olives, bread and patatas bravas, perhaps with a few Spanish beers or a big jug of sangria! Try it with some Spanish Omelette.
I tend to have it simply served with fresh crusty bread to mop up those fragrant juices.
You can also serve it as Spanish Beans and Rice, by serving it on a bed of... rice.
If you're looking for other gluten free vegan main meals, try my vegan shepherds pie portobello mushroom steaks or lentil dahl recipe.
Step by step tutorial
This recipe is soooo quick and easy. Follow these simple photo steps for success every time!
1: cook the onion and garlic in a pan until soft.
2:add the bay leaves and paprika.
3: stir well and cook for one minute.
4: add the canned tomatoes and white beans (butter beans, lima beans etc).
5: simmer the Spanish bean stew for 15 minutes until thick.
6: add the spinach and stir into the Spanish beans to wilt, then serve.
Get the recipe
Did you make this Spanish beans recipe? Please let me know how it turned out for you!
Leave a comment and star rating below and share a picture with the hashtag #veggiedesserts. I love seeing your recreations of my vegetarian and vegan recipes and cakes.
📖 Recipe
Spanish Beans with Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika pimenton dulce - or hot paprika if you like it spicy
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cans butter beans 400ml/14oz (lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 2 cans plum tomatoes 400ml/14oz
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 2 large handfuls spinach roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the onions and fry, stirring continuously, for 3-5 minutes until translucent but not browned.
- Add the garlic, paprika and bay leaves and fry for a further minute.
- Add the beans and tomatoes. Stir and break up the tomatoes a bit, then season with salt and pepper. Stir well and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, checking regularly so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- As it finishes, stir the spinach through to wilt.
- Serve hot or cold, as tapas or a side dish, sprinkled with the fresh parsley.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Anna
Very tasty and easy to prepare
Jonathan Bryans
I made this today and when the cooking was over....I had a sneak taste......delicious!! I used canned canellini beans. However, I did not have spinach on hand, so I added diced green and red capsicum instead. I served it with fried crumbed left-over couscous balls that had mozarella cheese and diced red radish and capsicum inside. The beans with t he flavourful smoked paprika was absolutely delicious. I ate this for work lunches. Thank you...🙏🏼
Maggie
Really good. I added a cheese topping.
Alisa Haitoff
This was SO SUPER EASY and tasted delicious - thanks!
Stefanie B
Delicious! Made it as a side dish for Stiracha seasoned steak on a SlimmingWorld SP day. I used one tin of chilli spiced chopped tomatoes, two large shallots, and a tin of mixed beans. I had a little bit of tomato purée I mixed in too, forgot about the bay leaf and used fry light instead of the olive oil. Used the whole 100g bag of baby spinach leaves. Already been asked to make it again!
Diane
Excellent! the only change is using fire-roasted tomatoes in the can instead of plum! I also added the cinnamon per your hint! Absolutely mouth-watering deliciousness!
Orsolya
I made this recipe like 15 times, just perfect!
Nikki
Love this recipe! Quick and easy. Make it all the time.
Paul
Made it for my flat mate- it’s waiting for him. Hope it tastes as good as it looks. Very easy to make- if it’s a hit it’s definitely going into my regular meals.
I want to post a pic it looks so vibrant and healthy and delicious…,,
GinaC
Thought I'd left a review... maybe not.
Kate, this is amazing, have been sharing with everyone. Having frozen diced onion and spinach balls, plus garlic puree in a tube (sorry to the purists) this works as a speedy, beautiful-looking, store-cupboard supper / dinner / side dish in under ten mins. Thanks so much!
Gina
So quick and easy. Only had cannelini beans and frozen spinach balls and still worked a treat. Thx for the recipe
Jill
Love this recipe my son and daughter in law now make it as well. I add vegan Spanish sausage for the vegans and a bit of sautéed chirizos for those of us that are being naughty!
We cook so many of your recipes - Dahl is the best ever as is butter chicken ( cauliflower)
Pam
Hi, I love this recipe! Thank you for sharing it. I'm just wondering how long it can last in the fridge as I sometimes don't eat it all at once.
Kate Hackworthy
Hi Pam, I usually keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I'm glad you love the recipe!
Daydreamer
Delicious, super easy to make and filling too, all wins in my book... Thanks so much for sharing
Sandra
Very tasty
beckandbulow
So tasty tasty. Its came out so well..
Zita Pogány
Since I first tried this recepie I made it so many times.. It's delicious and has a harmony in the taste... Thank you for it... It's our favorite with my bean lover daughter..
Anna
Loved this dish. Made it for the first time yesterday and it was very simple but tasty. The smoked paprika makes it and with spinach, ot packs a great nutritional punch. Have frozen portions for later - hope that works!
Cara
I made this almost exactly as the recipe is written but I used a 26 oz carton of finely diced tomatoes (enhanced with vegetables and herbs). I served it in a bowl with naan on the side and ate it as you would bruschetta. I also drizzled red wine vinegar over top for an extra pop. After I ate up my piece of naan I went back for two more bowls, that rarely happens. I bet it’ll be even better as leftovers. Thanks for the great recipe!
Jodi
Absolutely delicious and so easy & cheap to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I added some tomato puree, sundried tomatoes, roasted red pepper and roasted aubergine & baked it in the oven for the last 15 mins and it was full of flavour. x
Ellen
Very delicious !. One of our favorite dishes
John Zocco
This looks awesome. I will make this next Sunday. Just one question. Is the serving size 1 gram or did I misunderstand? Thanks.
Joan Shaw
Definitely a new family favourite. I double the smoked paprika for a full-bodied smokey tadte. A crilowd pleaser every time! I tried the naan bread for the first time tonight - YUM! happy dance x
Rhianna
I love this recipe!
Karen
Made this loads of times - it’s delicious. Sometimes a veggie version topped with halloumi. Sometimes with chorizo and or chicken for a meaty version. Also add a generous splash of red wine to all versions.
Beth
This recipe is amazing! There were no leftovers with this dish!
Ali
I love this recipe! I've made this multiple times in large batches for freezing. I usually eat it warm, by itself, and I've been adding a couple splashes of extra hot Valentina hot sauce to each serving for an extra kick.
Cy
Hey, I was just wondering if this recipe freezes well? I usually cook recipes for 4 to 6 and save this extra for later in the month. Lemme know. Thanks.
Kate Hackworthy
Yes! It freezes well.
Christine
This was a really good dish, but I added some additional spices. The texture was great. I served it over brown rice with Naan.
Karen Sampson-Pruitt
These Spanish beans were so simple and easy to make, and not to mention delicious. I made the naan bread suggested in the post and that was quick simple and went perfect with the beans. I surly will be making this again and again for my family. Oh, today was my first official day as a vegan, what a way to start off... Thank you so much for this recipe.
Lucy
Really delicious recipe! I used tinned cherry tomatoes to add a little bit of sweetness, a splash of red wine vinegar and sprinkled fresh basil on to serve 👌🏻
Robert Thomas
This is a great dish to start in the pan then put in the slow cooker. I use it as a base for Cod, Haddock or Hake with a lemon and herb crumb.
Ellen
Such a hearty and comforting dish that's so full of flavor.
kim
I love this recipe! It's one the whole family gobble up!
Caroline
I'm a big fan of Spanish food and love how they cook beans, especially those big white beans as you use here. Looks tasty and much as I remember from my time in Spain.
Linda
These beans are over-the-top delicious! I love to have this as an appetizer with a crusty loaf of bread or serve as mixed with sausage and over rice as a dinner.
Adriana Lopez Martin
Love me these Spanish beans! We eat a lot of different kinds of legumes at home. Delish.
Emily
I love the easy step by step images for this recipe. The pictures are beautiful throughout. Great recipe!
Jessica Formi
This is a total comfort food win! My whole family love this with rice!
AJ
Mine turned out a bit "creamier" but i think it's because some of my beans burst during soaking then I cooked them in the slow cooker while I was at work so I could be ready to make this for dinner this evening. All that being said, DELICIOUS thank you for this great recipe!
Kari
We use smoked paprika in our cabbage rolls, and this has a very similar taste. I make this for the parents when they come over. Something they don't usually make, but not so full of foreign spices that they won't came back over for supper. 😉
Donna B
I made this tonight. Very nice, very easy. A great way to get some more beans in our diet. I added some frozen peas and used frozen spinach because I didn’t have any fresh on hand which means a whole meal I can put together even if I have few fresh ingredients. Thanks.
georgie @ georgieeats
This looks completely epic!!! I have put the ingredients on my shopping list for next week, cant wait!! Thanks for the inspo xxx
Dave Ashton
We love this recipe! I added a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give it a little heat.
Andy
Hello,
What is the traditional name for this dish in Spain, please? The greeks do a very similar version known as Gigantes.
Regards,
Andy.
Katie
Tried this recipe today for lunch.
It was quick and easy to make (for someone that wished they could cook amazing dishes but doesn’t know where to start!)
Very tasty! And I like the low calorie count!
A good meal served on a cold day and healthy too.
Enjoyed very much
Kate Hackworthy
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Katie! I make it all the time as it's so quick and easy. The low cals are such a bonus! Thanks for coming back to comment. K
Ian
Made this for my family last night. It was one of the biggest meal successes we’ve had for ages - and we like our food, so that’s no mean feat. Thanks very much!
Ps. Might try mixing another type of bean in with it next time.
Scarlet
These look delish! My husband spent a year in Spain so I will have to make these for him and see if I can impress him!
Elizabeth
That sounds so delicious! I happen to have all the ingredients on hand too - I'll have to try this for myself!
Elizabeth
These are delicious--and I love how fast they are to make, too!
Laura
Great recipe, it looks like it is very popular. I love Spanish recipes
Luci Morales
This was delicious and healthy! I had to try this ASAP and went straight out for paprika (I had everytihng else) the paprika won't go to waste because I"m going to make this often!
Traci
I love love love everything about this recipe! So glad to discover it! I love all Spanish foods and will gladly bookmark and pin this one! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ava Smythe
We had your spanish beans for dinner tonight. They're really easy and delicious. Thank you!
Kirsten
This recipe is just what I needed! Quick, healthy with minimal clean up for my vegan family. I added basil, white cooking wine and next time will add some mushrooms too. Served over brown rice and everyone loved it!
Kate Hackworthy
I'm so pleased that you like it. I love your suggestions - I'll do that next time!
Beau
Super yummy meal, it has become a favourite in our house. I added some chorizo sausage and served it with some crusty bread as a main.
Sarah
I made this last night and the family all really liked it. Had it with slices of potato on top and then in the oven to crisp up. Will make again for sure.
Stella
After reading this recipe I want to try, because it looks very tasty ...
Deborah
Ooft, made this today for my church group and it was so good! I couldn't find butter beans at the store so I used regular white beans, but it was still so good!
Kate Hackworthy
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it, Deborah! White beans sound like a fantastic substitution. 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
What a great dish! I love those beans -- so hearty! My hubs is watching! Me? I'm still cheering for the US NBA Finals games 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
We always order these in a tapas bar, but all the ones I have tried haven't come close to what we ate in Barcelona. I am going to have to try making them myself.
Jean
Super supper or dinner dish. Added liquid amino flavouring has its own sodium so no salt neede. Hot paprica cinnamon & had it with baked potatoes. Added a tin of chicken peas once when I only had 1 tin butter beans. Thank you for your great recipes.
Georgina Ingham | Culinary Travels
I have some dried 'giant' butter beans that I brought home with me on my last trip to Spain which I'm sure would work perfectly here, with a little adaptation to the method. It looks absolutely gorgeous and a perfect meal to eat whilst enjoying the football.
Flora
I love those beautiful large beans. Will have to try this recipe, looks so tasty !
Joy @ Joy Love Food
That multicooker sounds like a wonderful appliance, I'd love to add one to my kitchen and those Spanish beans look incredible!
Sarah Trivuncic, Maison Cupcake
I'm a total pulse fantastic, this dish looks totally up my street! I will be avoiding the football wherever possible!!
Melissa
Looks and sounds delicious! I would definitely be mopping up every last bit with bread! That multicooker sounds like the perfect kitchen tool!
Jackie Garvin
Love the blend of spices. This recipe sounds delicious.
Gingey Bites
This looks like heaven, I love Spanish food! So hearty too, it'd be good in the winter. Thanks for sharing!!
Revathi Palani
OMG< these beans looks so very delicious. Especially love it in the 2nd pic. Drooling all over my screen. Yum 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I have never used a 'multi' cooker, but it sounds wonderful. Love the recipe....and absolutely needs the chorizo!!
Tara
Such gorgeous colors! This sounds absolutely amazing. I've never heard of the Redmond Multicooker. Sounds like a great kitchen gadget.
Rachel
A themed party for the euroes sounds like a brilliant idea, I need to do this! Sounds like a delicious dish - also I love your photography! xo
April J Harris
I've pinned this wonderful recipe - your Spanish Beans with Tomatoes look amazing! I was interested to read about the Redmond Multicooker as well.