Marinated Butter Beans
Think creamy marinated butter beans are the perfect addition to your meal rotation! These flavorful beans, paired with pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, create a dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious. Ideal for parties, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will surprise you with its versatility. With a zesty olive and lemon marinade, it’s high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh herbs elevates the taste of the beans.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own or as a topping for toasted bread.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, these butter beans are a guilt-free indulgence.
- Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for up to five days without losing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make marinated butter beans, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures your dish turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients evenly.
- Saucepan: Used to heat the marinade; choose one that distributes heat well.
- Whisk: Helps blend the marinade ingredients thoroughly without clumps.
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: Prepare the Vegetables
Add the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichokes, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt into a large serving bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a saucepan:
1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat on medium-high while whisking occasionally.
3. Once it starts to froth and bubble—take it off the heat.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the marinade over the bowl filled with vegetables. Toss everything gently to combine well. Let the marinated butter beans sit for at least ten minutes before serving; thirty minutes is even better!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve on toasted sourdough bread or savor them as they are. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy your delicious marinated butter beans!
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Their creamy texture and bold flavors make them a delightful addition to many meals.
On Toast
- Toasted Sourdough: Serve marinated butter beans on a slice of toasted sourdough for a crunchy contrast.
- Avocado Toast: Spread ripe avocado on toast and top with marinated beans for a healthy breakfast or snack.
As a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Toss the marinated butter beans with fresh greens for a colorful salad that’s full of flavor.
- Grain Bowl: Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa or farro for extra protein and taste.
As a Dip
- Veggie Platter: Use marinated butter beans as a dip for fresh veggies, making for a healthy appetizer.
- Pita Chips: Serve alongside pita chips for a fun and crunchy snack option.
With Grilled Meats
- Chicken Skewers: Pair marinated butter beans with grilled chicken skewers for a complete meal.
- Lamb Chops: They also complement the rich flavors of grilled lamb chops beautifully.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
Perfecting your marinated butter beans is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding smoked paprika can give an exciting twist.
- Let it Sit: Allow the marinated beans to sit longer than 10 minutes; 30 minutes enhances the flavors even more.
- Serve Chilled: For optimal taste, chill the dish before serving so that the marinade is infused throughout.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans pair well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some options you might consider.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring extra color and nutrition to your plate.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the creaminess of the butter beans.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds fluffiness while complementing the hearty texture of the beans.
- Couscous with Herbs: Fluffy couscous mixed with fresh herbs makes a refreshing side that balances out rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious marinated butter beans!
- Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce adds creaminess and tang, pairing well with any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing marinated butter beans, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping the rinse: Not rinsing the butter beans can lead to an overly salty or metallic taste. Always rinse them thoroughly before use.
- Ignoring marination time: Serving the dish immediately can result in less flavor absorption. Allow the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes, or ideally 30 minutes.
- Overlooking seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning may lead to a bland dish. Always check for salt and acidity before serving.
- Using old herbs: Dried-out herbs can diminish flavor. Use fresh dill and parsley for a vibrant taste.
- Neglecting storage tips: Improper storage can spoil your marinated butter beans quickly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store marinated butter beans in an airtight glass container.
- They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- Place marinated beans in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the texture may alter upon thawing.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread beans on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marinated Butter Beans?
Marinated butter beans are creamy legume salads combined with flavorful ingredients like olives and roasted peppers, all tossed in a zesty marinade.
Can I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different spices!
How do I serve Marinated Butter Beans?
Serve them on toasted sourdough bread or enjoy them on their own as a refreshing salad option.
Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?
Yes! This dish is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Can I make Marinated Butter Beans ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day prior; just remember to let them marinate well for optimal flavor.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also versatile. This dish is perfect as a side or main course and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try it out today and enjoy the delightful flavors that come together beautifully!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Marinated Butter Beans, a creamy and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. This versatile recipe combines tender butter beans with vibrant ingredients like pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, all tossed in a zesty olive and lemon marinade. Whether enjoyed as a side dish at your next gathering or as a satisfying main course for a quiet dinner at home, these marinated beans are sure to impress. Packed with protein and fiber, they make for a healthy choice that’s both filling and flavorful. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) butter beans
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 roasted red pepper
- 6–7 artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Kosher salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine drained butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichokes, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until frothy. Remove from heat.
- Pour the marinade over the bean mixture and gently toss to combine. Let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving (30 minutes is ideal).
- Enjoy on toasted sourdough bread or as is.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
