Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines creamy butter beans with zesty ingredients like pickled red onions, olives, and roasted red peppers. The spicy olive and lemon marinade ties everything together, making it a delightful addition to your meals. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 45 minutes to make, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of creamy butter beans and zesty ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, as a side dish, or on toasted sourdough for a delightful appetizer.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this recipe is high in protein and fiber while being low in calories.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and faster.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large serving bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large serving bowl: Ideal for mixing all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Saucepan: Necessary for heating the marinade evenly.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly to create a well-blended marinade.

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
– Zest from 1 lemon
– 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: Combine Main Ingredients

Add the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichokes, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and kosher salt into a large serving bowl. Mix gently to combine these vibrant ingredients. Set aside while you prepare the marinade.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Add lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Whisk occasionally until the mixture froths slightly; then remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the warm marinade over the butter bean mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.

Step 4: Let It Sit Before Serving

Let the marinated beans sit for at least 10 minutes before serving—30 minutes is ideal for allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Up Your Dish!

Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread or as they are! Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. They add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.

On Toast

• Use toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread for a hearty base. The creamy texture of the marinated butter beans pairs perfectly with the crunch of the toast.

As a Salad

• Serve the marinated butter beans on a bed of mixed greens. Add some cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra freshness and color.

In a Wrap

• Wrap the marinated beans in a tortilla with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce. This makes for a quick and nutritious lunch option.

As a Dip

• Blend the marinated butter beans into a creamy dip. Pair it with pita chips or veggie sticks for an easy snack or appetizer.

Alongside Grilled Meats

• Serve the marinated butter beans as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Their bold flavors complement savory proteins beautifully.

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How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

Achieving the perfect marinated butter beans involves using fresh ingredients and allowing time for flavors to meld. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Choose quality beans: Use high-quality canned butter beans for better flavor and texture. Look for brands without added preservatives.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your marinade before pouring it over the beans. Adjust salt, lemon juice, or spices to suit your preference.

• Let it sit: Allow the marinated butter beans to rest for at least 10 minutes, but ideally 30 minutes, to let all the flavors develop fully.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other fresh herbs like basil or mint to create different flavor profiles in your marinated butter beans.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans pair wonderfully with many side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a smoky flavor that complements the creamy beans.

2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad can serve as a light side dish, adding protein and fiber while balancing the rich flavors of the marinated beans.

3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary offer a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth texture of the marinated butter beans.

4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that brightens up any plate when served with marinated butter beans.

5. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta primavera can be an excellent accompaniment, providing additional vegetables while keeping things healthy.

6. Hummus Platter: A platter of hummus served with assorted crackers and veggies can round out your meal nicely, creating varied textures and flavors.

7. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with diced veggies is another great pairing that provides additional carbs and complements the bean dish well.

8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites of rich marinated butter beans, adding sweetness to balance savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes is key to making the perfect marinated butter beans. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Ignoring the Marinade Time: Skipping the resting period for the marinated beans can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes yields the best taste.
• Overcooking the Garlic: Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Remember to add it just before taking the marinade off the heat.
• Using Low-Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of olive oil significantly impacts your dish. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich taste.
• Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste your marinated butter beans before serving may result in unbalanced flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed after tossing everything together.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• • Container: Use glass containers for optimal freshness and flavor retention.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• • Duration: You can freeze marinated butter beans for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place beans in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans that might help you further enjoy this dish.

Can I use dried butter beans instead?

Yes, you can use dried butter beans; however, you’ll need to soak and cook them before marinating.

What can I serve with marinated butter beans?

These beans pair wonderfully with toasted sourdough or can be added to salads or grain bowls for extra protein.

How do I customize my marinated butter beans?

Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, or switch up herbs based on your preference!

Are marinated butter beans healthy?

Absolutely! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various meals. Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to customize this recipe to your liking. Enjoy these flavorful beans as a hearty main dish or a light appetizer!