We Value Your Culinary Privacy
EatMee Recipes uses cookies to provide a personalized browsing experience, analyze recipe popularity, and serve relevant ads. You can review our full disclosure in our Privacy Policy.
Make authentic Butter Beans Curry with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.


Join over 60,000+ home chefs for weekly authentic Durban Indian cook-alongs, Instant Pot masterclasses, and family heritage recipes.
Peel & chop the onion.

Rinse and slit the green chillies.

Cut the tomatoes in halves and grate the flesh off the tomatoes.

Discard the peels.

Peel the potatoes and quarter them.

To a pot on medium heat, add cokking oil, chopped onions, thyme, green chillies, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, star anise and cumin (jeera) seeds.

Stir and allow the onions to sauté until translucent.

Once the onions are translucent, add in turmeric powder, clove powder, coriander (dhania powder), cumin (jeera) powder, garam masala, chilli powder and ginger and garlic paste.

Mix and simmer for a minute.

Thereafter, add in the grated tomatoes.

Mix and allow to cook for 3 minutes.

After 3 minutes, add in the potatoes and enough water to allow the potatoes to cook.

Give it a stir.

Cover and cook until the potatoes are almost soft.

Next, bring out the canned butter beans, rinse and strain the beans.

Add the beans to the pot with curry leaves, fresh coriander and salt to taste. Add water if needed.

Mix well, cover and allow to cook until the potatoes are completely soft – almost melting.

Once the potatoes are soft, garnish with fresh coriander (dhania) and serve.

Serve this Butter Beans Curry with rice, roti, puri or bread & salads or pickle.

The puri recipe can be found here: https://eatmeerecipes.co.za/indian-food/soft-puri/

Soak 1 cup overnight and cook until soft before using.
Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
For a smoky twist, finish with a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
Want it thicker? Mash a few beans in the curry with a spoon and let it simmer a bit longer.
Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Butter Beans Curry.
Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Butter Beans Curry
Butter beans are an excellent source of plant protein and fiber. Paired with warming spices, this curry becomes a nourishing meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s freezer-friendly, meal-prep-approved, and perfect for cozy nights or quick weeknight dinners.
A combination of finely chopped braised onions, pureed or grated tomatoes, and allowing the gravy to simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes helps reduce and thicken the sauce to a rich coating consistency.
Yes, this curry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Note: If freezing, omit or remove the potatoes as their texture changes when frozen. You can easily add fresh boiled potatoes when reheating!

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.
Explore more authentic Durban curries, traditional bakes, and comforting family favourites.
Indian CuisineMy mum is sharing another one of her much-loved traditional South African Indian recipes. ...
Indian CuisineCrispy, golden and delicious, these Brinjal Pakoras are made with thin slices of brinjal c...
Indian CuisineMum’s Pumpkin Curry is a simple, comforting vegetarian dish that proves you don’t need a l...
EatMee Recipes uses cookies to provide a personalized browsing experience, analyze recipe popularity, and serve relevant ads. You can review our full disclosure in our Privacy Policy.
Have you tried this recipe or have questions for Denisiya? Join the conversation below.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *