Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that combines creamy beans with vibrant flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or need a quick meal prep option, these marinated butter beans will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. They stand out with their high protein and fiber content, ensuring you not only enjoy great taste but also a nutritious meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of olives, roasted red peppers, and artichokes creates a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy the marinated butter beans as a salad, on toasted sourdough, or as a side dish to complement your main course.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is a nutritious addition to your diet.
• Make Ahead Option: Marinated butter beans taste even better after resting, so prepare them in advance for added convenience.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious dish efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand can simplify the process and elevate your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large serving bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients without spilling.
• Saucepan: Needed to create the flavorful marinade by heating the ingredients together.
• Whisk: Helps combine the marinade ingredients smoothly for an even flavor distribution.

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!

For the Marinated Butter Beans

• 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

For the Marinade

• 1 lemon’s 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 Your 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), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat on medium-high while whisking occasionally until the marinade froths and bubbles.
3. Remove from heat when ready.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the marinade over the bowl containing the butter bean mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; however, letting them rest for 30 minutes enhances flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread or simply on their own. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their creamy texture and zesty flavors make them an excellent addition to many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

On Toast

• Use toasted sourdough bread for a crunchy base.
• Spread the marinated butter beans on top for a hearty snack or light meal.

As a Salad

• Toss with mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
• Add cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch.

In a Wrap

• Fill a whole grain wrap with marinated butter beans.
• Include fresh veggies like spinach and bell peppers for added nutrients.

As a Dip

• Serve the marinated beans with pita chips or vegetable sticks.
• This makes for a perfect appetizer or party snack.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
• The smoky flavors complement the tangy marinade beautifully.

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How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your marinated butter beans, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley brighten the dish. Dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
• Marinate longer: Allowing the beans to sit for at least 30 minutes enhances their taste. Overnight marination is even better!
• Adjust seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak salt, lemon juice, or spices to match your palate. Taste as you go!
• Add crunch: For extra texture, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds before serving. This adds an enjoyable crunch.
• Serve chilled: Letting the dish chill in the fridge before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Try different legumes: If you want variety, substitute butter beans with chickpeas or cannellini beans for different tastes and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans pair well with numerous side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese balances the richness of the beans.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add depth and flavor; think carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
3. Rice Pilaf: A herbed rice pilaf gives an aromatic base that enhances the bean’s tangy notes.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast; try adding apples or nuts for variety.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a nice touch; brush with lime butter for extra zest.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs are always a crowd-pleaser alongside your marinated beans.
7. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with olives and cherry tomatoes complements the Mediterranean flavors of your dish.
8. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and cheese offer a hearty accompaniment that pairs nicely with marinated butter beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best marinated butter beans, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Ignoring the marinade time: Allowing the beans to marinate for at least 10 minutes enhances flavor. For optimal taste, let them sit for 30 minutes.
• Not draining the beans properly: Ensure your butter beans are well-drained and rinsed. Excess liquid can dilute the marinade and affect texture.
• Overlooking seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving! You may need to add more salt or spices based on your preferences.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley bring vibrancy to the dish. Dried herbs won’t provide the same flavor punch.
• Using low-quality olive oil: Since olive oil is a key ingredient in the marinade, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store marinated butter beans in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• While it’s not ideal, you can freeze marinated butter beans.
• Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best taste.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans.

What are Marinated Butter Beans?

Marinated butter beans are creamy legumes soaked in a flavorful marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. They combine perfectly with fresh herbs and vegetables.

How can I customize Marinated Butter Beans?

You can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or even different types of olives. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or herbs like basil for variety!

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried butter beans, soak and cook them thoroughly before marinating. This adds an extra step but yields delicious results.

Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?

Absolutely! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make them perfect as a side dish or a light meal. They’re versatile too; feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting satisfaction it brings!

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Marinated Butter Beans

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• Author: Ana
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marinated Butter Beans are a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines creamy butter beans with zesty flavors from olives, roasted red peppers, and herbs. Perfect for any occasion, they can be served as a delicious side dish, a refreshing salad, or a tasty topping on toasted bread. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Packed with protein and fiber, these marinated beans not only satisfy cravings but also provide a wholesome addition to your diet. With the option to make them ahead of time, you can enjoy their enhanced flavors while impressing your guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (14 oz) butter beans
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 jarred roasted red pepper, 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 lemon’s 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

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine butter beans, red onion, olives, roasted red pepper, artichokes, dill, parsley, and salt.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey/maple syrup, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until bubbly.
3. Pour the marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Let rest for at least 10 minutes (30 minutes recommended) before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Marinating
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg