Start by chopping the onion, red bell pepper, and red chilli. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside. Rinse and drain the butter beans, ensuring they are ready to be added to the stew.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the diced red bell pepper, chopped red chilli, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the paprika, cumin seeds, and chilli powder over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Then, add the tomato puree and continue cooking for another minute, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Now, it's time to add the star ingredient - the butter beans! Pour in the rinsed and drained beans, followed by the vegetable stock. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the stew to simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavours to develop and the beans to become tender.
Once the stew has simmered to perfection, it's time to serve and enjoy! Ladle the butterbean stew into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or coriander, if desired. This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fluffy rice. So grab a spoon, cosy up and savour the heartwarming flavours of this ultimate comfort food.