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 dinner party, preparing a picnic, or just looking for a healthy snack, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With its high protein and fiber content, this dish stands out as both nutritious and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of olives, roasted red peppers, and spices creates a rich taste that elevates the humble butter bean.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted sourdough bread, as a side salad, or on its own for a wholesome snack.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, Marinated Butter Beans provide lasting energy without weighing you down.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better after marinating for a while; prepare it ahead of time for effortless entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large serving bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Airtight glass container
Importance of Each Tool
- Large serving bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all the ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Saucepan: Ideal for heating the marinade; ensures even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Whisk: Helps combine dressing ingredients smoothly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
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, red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and kosher salt into a large serving bowl. Toss gently to combine these flavors before moving on to the marinade.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a saucepan:
1. Add lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat on medium-high heat while whisking occasionally.
3. Once the marinade starts to froth and bubble (about 5 minutes), take it off the heat.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the warm marinade over the butter bean mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until well coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes; however, allowing it to marinate for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors further.
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
Enjoy your Marinated Butter Beans on toasted sourdough bread or as is! Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Toasted Sourdough: Serve the marinated butter beans over crispy sourdough for a hearty snack or light meal.
- Avocado Toast: Add a layer of avocado on toasted bread before topping it with the marinated beans for extra creaminess.
As a Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss the marinated butter beans with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing salad.
- Pasta Salad: Mix the marinated beans with cooked pasta, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
As a Dip
- With Pita Chips: Serve the marinated butter beans as a dip with crunchy pita chips or vegetable sticks for a healthy appetizer.
- On Charcuterie Boards: Include them on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and cured meats for an added flavor boost.
As a Side Dish
- With Grilled Meats: Pair the marinated butter beans with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
- In Tacos: Use them as a filling for soft tacos, combined with fresh cilantro and lime juice for extra zest.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
To ensure your marinated butter beans are bursting with flavor, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt or lemon juice if needed to elevate the flavors.
- Let Them Marinate: Allowing the beans to sit for at least 30 minutes helps develop deeper flavors that make each bite delicious.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes or add different spices to customize the heat level to your liking.
- Serve Chilled: For best results, serve your marinated butter beans chilled; this enhances their refreshing qualities.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness up to 5 days.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Pair your marinated butter beans with these delightful side dishes that complement their flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers adds color and smokiness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs makes a nutritious side that balances well with creamy butter beans.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic offer a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
- Coleslaw: A tangy cabbage slaw provides crunch and acidity, making it an excellent pairing choice.
- Hummus & Veggies: Serve alongside hummus and fresh veggie sticks for a healthy appetizer platter.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices act as a filling side that complements the main dish nicely.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal.
- Feta & Watermelon Salad: The sweetness of watermelon paired with salty feta creates an unexpected yet delightful combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making marinated butter beans, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Over-marinating: Leaving the beans in the marinade for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for 10-30 minutes for the best results.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not tasting the marinade before adding it can result in bland beans. Always adjust seasoning to suit your palate.
- Using low-quality oil: Cheap olive oil can impact flavor. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for better taste and health benefits.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Dried herbs lack the vibrant flavor of fresh ones. Always opt for fresh dill and parsley to enhance your marinated butter beans.
- Not prepping ingredients properly: Cutting vegetables unevenly can affect texture and appearance. Ensure even slicing for a better presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the marinated butter beans in an airtight glass container.
- They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- While not recommended for optimal texture, you can freeze them.
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags, and consume within 2-3 months.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread beans on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and heat in increments of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans:
What are Marinated Butter Beans?
Marinated butter beans are creamy beans soaked in a flavorful marinade made from lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, perfect as a side dish or snack.
Can I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or swap herbs based on your preference. The marinade is versatile as well.
How long do Marinated Butter Beans last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, marinated butter beans can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?
Yes! They are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also offer flexibility in preparation. You can enjoy them on their own or as part of various dishes. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and make it uniquely yours!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a deliciously creamy dish that melds vibrant flavors for a delightful snack or side. This easy-to-make recipe features protein-packed butter beans combined with zesty marinated vegetables, making it perfect for gatherings or as a healthy addition to your meal prep. With its bright tastes from fresh herbs and spices, it offers a refreshing twist on traditional bean dishes. Serve them on toasted sourdough, toss into salads, or enjoy as a savory dip. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 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
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Spices: garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine butter beans, red onion, olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Toss gently.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until frothy (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Pour warm marinade over the bean mixture and toss well. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes; ideally up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 120g
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
