Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that brings together creamy textures and vibrant flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. With its unique blend of pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts in a zesty marinade, you’ll find this dish both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Marinated Butter Beans come together in just 45 minutes, making it an easy option for busy days.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and zesty lemon elevates the dish’s taste, ensuring it’s never bland.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted sourdough or on its own as a wholesome snack or side dish.
• Nutritious: High in protein and fiber, this dish supports a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days; they taste even better after marinating longer!

Tools and Preparation

To make Marinated Butter Beans successfully, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all ingredients effectively without spilling.
• Saucepan: A good saucepan helps evenly heat the marinade while allowing you to whisk ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that your marinade is well-blended for optimal 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 Salad

• 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 lemon’s worth of zest
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed

For the Marinade

• 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 Salad Ingredients

Add the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted 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:
* Add the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
* Place on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
* Whisk occasionally until the marinade starts to froth and bubble. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the marinade over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to combine. Let the Marinated Butter Beans sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; 30 minutes is ideal for enhanced flavors.

Step 4: Serve & Store

Enjoy on toasted sourdough or savor them on their own! 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 offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a versatile dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.

On Toast

• Sourdough Bread: Toast slices of sourdough bread for a crunchy base. Spoon the marinated butter beans on top for a delicious appetizer.
• Rye Bread: Use hearty rye bread for a different flavor profile that pairs well with the marinade’s spice.

As a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss marinated butter beans with fresh mixed greens, adding a light vinaigrette for an easy salad.
• Grain Salad: Combine with cooked quinoa or farro for a filling grain salad that’s perfect for lunch.

As a Dip

• Pita Chips: Serve the marinated butter beans as a dip with crispy pita chips. The creamy texture is perfect for dipping!
• Vegetable Sticks: Pair with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a healthy snack option.

How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

Perfecting marinated butter beans is all about balancing flavors and ensuring the best texture. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Bold Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil to amplify the flavors in your marinade.
• Marinating Time: Allow the dish to sit longer than 10 minutes—30 minutes or more will enhance the flavor infusion.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; add more salt or lemon juice to suit your palate.
• Texture Play: For added crunch, consider including toasted nuts or seeds in the mix right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.

1. Grilled Vegetables: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables charred on the grill adds smokiness and depth.
2. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon makes for a light side that balances well.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty contrast to the creamy beans.
4. Cauliflower Rice: Light and nutritious, cauliflower rice is an excellent base that soaks up flavors beautifully.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices make for an eye-catching side dish.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Soft baked sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that complements the zesty marinade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marinated Butter Beans, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the rinse: Not rinsing the butter beans can lead to a gritty texture. Always rinse the beans under cold water before using them.
• Ignoring marination time: Serving immediately after mixing may not allow flavors to meld. Aim for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes is ideal for better taste.
• Over-marinating: Leaving the beans in the marinade for too long can make them mushy. Stick to recommended marination times.
• Using stale herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor, while dried herbs can dull it. Ensure your herbs are fresh for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting is crucial! Adjust salt and acidity according to your preference before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store marinated butter beans in an airtight glass container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• It’s best not to freeze marinated butter beans as they may lose texture when thawed.
• If necessary, freeze without the marinade and add fresh marinade after thawing.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat with a splash of water or extra olive oil until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Marinated Butter Beans?

Marinated butter beans are creamy beans soaked in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices that enhance their taste.

How do I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?

You can add different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, or adjust the spices based on your preference for more heat or flavor.

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried butter beans, soak and cook them first before adding to the marinade for optimal flavor and texture.

How do I serve Marinated Butter Beans?

They make a great side dish, perfect on toasted bread or as part of a salad. Enjoy them warm or cold!

Final Thoughts

Marinated Butter Beans are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste. Try it out today and enjoy a healthy, protein-rich dish that packs a flavor punch!

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Marinated Butter Beans

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Marinated Butter Beans, a healthy and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful recipe features creamy butter beans tossed with pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, all enveloped in a zesty olive oil and lemon marinade. Rich in protein and fiber, these marinated beans serve as a nutritious side or a delicious stand-alone dish. Quick to prepare and versatile, they can be enjoyed on toasted sourdough or incorporated into salads for a refreshing touch. Ideal for meal prep, leftover flavors only improve with time.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (about 14 oz) 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 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, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
2. 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.
3. Pour the marinade over the bean mixture; toss gently. Let sit for at least 10 minutes (30 minutes preferred) before serving.
4. Serve on toasted bread or as desired; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg