Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that brings together creamy beans with vibrant flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick meal prep option. The unique combination of ingredients creates a satisfying and nutritious treat that is high in protein and fiber. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while impressing your guests with its bold taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The spicy olive and lemon marinade elevates the mild butter beans into a zesty delight.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy marinated butter beans on their own, or serve them on toasted sourdough for a delightful appetizer.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tools and Preparation
To make Marinated Butter Beans, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large serving bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large serving bowl: Perfect for mixing all your ingredients without spillage.
- Saucepan: Ideal for preparing your marinade evenly over heat.
- Whisk: Ensures all marinade ingredients blend well together for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Think creamy butter beans, paired with pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, tossed in a spicy olive and lemon marinade. Like, what more could you want? Plus, this dish is high in both protein and fiber!
Ingredients:
– 1 can (about 14 oz or 400 g) butter beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (about 20) green olives, roughly chopped
– 1 jarred roasted red pepper, roughly chopped
– 6-7 jarred artichoke hearts, halved
– 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced and loosely packed
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced and loosely packed
– 1 lemons worth of zest
– 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
– 1 clove garlic, finely minced
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
How to Make Marinated Butter Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Add the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt into a large serving bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a saucepan:
1. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
3. Whisk occasionally until the marinade starts to froth and bubble before removing it from heat.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture in the bowl. Toss everything gently to combine. Let the marinated butter beans sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; however, letting them rest for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors even more.
Step 4: Serve
Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough or savor them by themselves. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated Butter Beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light meal or a side dish, these beans can elevate any dining experience.
On Toast
- Serve on toasted sourdough bread for a delicious and crunchy base.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil for added flavor.
As a Salad
- Toss marinated butter beans with mixed greens for a hearty salad.
- Add cherry tomatoes and avocado for extra freshness.
In Wraps
- Use as a filling in wraps or pita bread for a quick meal.
- Pair with hummus and fresh veggies for crunch.
As a Dip
- Mash slightly to create a creamy dip served with crackers or vegetables.
- Garnish with extra herbs for an appealing presentation.
As Part of a Platter
- Include marinated butter beans in an antipasto platter alongside cheeses and cured meats.
- They pair well with olives and roasted nuts.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
To enhance the flavors in your Marinated Butter Beans, consider these helpful tips:
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Choose Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add vibrant flavors. Dried herbs won’t provide the same taste.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade before pouring it over the beans. Feel free to add more salt, lemon juice, or honey based on your preference.
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Let It Rest: Allow the beans to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes is ideal for deeper flavor absorption.
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Experiment with Ingredients: Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for variety and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated Butter Beans can be complemented by several delightful side dishes. Here are some ideas:
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Grilled Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers make a perfect pairing, adding smoky flavors.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides a healthy grain option that balances the beans.
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Pasta Primavera: A simple pasta dish with seasonal vegetables complements the creamy texture of the butter beans.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and pairs beautifully with the soft beans.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch to the meal, balancing the richness of the beans.
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Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad offers additional protein while keeping the meal light and nutritious.
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Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty side that contrasts nicely with marinated butter beans.
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Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa add color and flavor variety to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best marinated butter beans, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Skipping the soaking step: Rinsing canned butter beans isn’t enough. For better flavor absorption, let them soak in the marinade longer.
- Over-seasoning with salt: While seasoning is key, start with less salt and adjust after adding the marinade. This prevents an overly salty dish.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like dill and parsley enhance flavor. Don’t skip them; they are essential for a vibrant taste.
- Using low-quality olive oil: The olive oil quality impacts the overall taste. Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Not letting it marinate long enough: Allow at least 10 minutes for marination, but ideally 30 minutes. This enhances flavor depth significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- Enjoy within 5 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best used within 2 months to maintain quality.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warm throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marinated Butter Beans?
Marinated butter beans are creamy beans soaked in a flavorful mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. They are packed with nutrients and can be served as a side dish or salad.
How do I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?
You can add different vegetables or spices based on your preference. Try adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor!
Can I use dried butter beans instead?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them before marinating. Canned beans save time and still taste great.
Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?
Absolutely! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option for any meal.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans offer a delightful combination of flavors that make them perfect for any table. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various ingredients, ensuring they suit your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthy yet satisfying dish!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines creamy butter beans with a zesty olive oil and lemon marinade. Perfect for any occasion, these beans are not only easy to make but also packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a quick meal prep or as an impressive appetizer for your guests. With the addition of pickled red onions, olives, and artichoke hearts, this salad brings together bold flavors that will delight your palate. Serve them on toasted sourdough, toss them into salads, or enjoy them as a refreshing dip—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) butter beans
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper
- 6–7 jarred artichoke hearts
- Fresh dill and parsley
- Lemon zest and juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and salt.
- For the marinade: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until frothy.
- Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve on toasted sourdough or as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
