Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that brings together creamy butter beans and vibrant ingredients for a burst of flavor. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a healthy meal prep option, or simply craving something delicious. The combination of pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts tossed in a zesty olive and lemon marinade makes this dish both unique and satisfying. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and fiber!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Butter Beans
• For the Marinade
• How to Make Marinated Butter Beans
• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Step 2: Make the Marinade
• Step 3: Combine Everything
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
• On Toasted Sourdough
• As a Salad Topping
• In a Wrap
• As Part of a Mezze Platter
• With Grilled Vegetables
• How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
• Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
• Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are marinated butter beans?
• How long should I marinate butter beans?
• Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned ones?
• What can I serve with marinated butter beans?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh herbs creates a robust flavor profile that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted sourdough or as a standalone dish; it fits any meal perfectly.
• Healthy Dish: High in protein and fiber, marinated butter beans make for a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make Marinated Butter Beans.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all the ingredients without spills.
• Saucepan: Using a saucepan helps you heat the marinade evenly, ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing the marinade quickly and thoroughly.

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 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

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced and loosely packed
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced and loosely packed
• 1 lemons 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 the Ingredients

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. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), 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, take it off the heat.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the marinade over the bowl with butter beans. Toss to combine well. Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; however, letting them rest for 30 minutes enhances the flavor even more.

Step 4: Serve

Enjoy your Marinated Butter Beans on toasted sourdough or on their own. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This delightful dish will surely become a favorite!

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans offer a versatile and flavorful dish that can complement various meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious recipe.

On Toasted Sourdough

• Toast slices of sourdough bread until golden brown. Top with a generous scoop of marinated butter beans for a hearty and satisfying snack or light meal.

As a Salad Topping

• Use marinated butter beans as a topping on fresh greens. Add your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumber, for a refreshing salad.

In a Wrap

• Spread the marinated butter beans onto a whole grain wrap. Add spinach, avocado, and feta cheese for a nutritious on-the-go meal.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Serve marinated butter beans alongside hummus, baba ganoush, and pita bread. This makes for an inviting appetizer perfect for gatherings.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair your marinated butter beans with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The flavors meld beautifully for a wholesome dinner option.

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How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

Getting the best flavor from your marinated butter beans is easy with a few simple tips. Here’s how to make them even better:

• Let them marinate longer: Allowing the beans to sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor absorption.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add brightness; dried herbs won’t give the same punch.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the red pepper flakes and cayenne based on your heat tolerance.
• Opt for high-quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish’s richness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing complements the creamy texture of the beans.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients, balancing out the dish nicely.
3. Couscous with Herbs: Fluffy couscous mixed with fresh herbs pairs well and adds another layer of texture.
4. Greek Yogurt Dip: A tangy yogurt dip can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy marinade.
5. Feta Cheese Crumble: Sprinkling feta over the dish adds saltiness and creaminess which enhances the overall flavor profile.
6. Simple Green Salad: A basic green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette keeps it light and healthy while complementing the main dish.
7. Pita Bread: Warm pita bread offers an excellent vessel for scooping up marinated butter beans.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned simply make for a great comfort food addition to this Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing marinated butter beans, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong beans: Ensure you use butter beans for the best creaminess and flavor. Other beans may not provide the same texture.

• Skipping marination time: Allow the flavors to meld by letting the marinated butter beans sit for at least 10 minutes. Longer marination enhances the taste.

• Over-salting: Start with 1 tsp of kosher salt and adjust as needed after tasting. It’s easier to add salt than to fix an overly salty dish.

• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley make a big difference in flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness, so opt for fresh when possible.

• Not adjusting spice levels: The recipe includes red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust these spices according to your preference for a milder or spicier dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store marinated butter beans in an airtight glass container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• Transfer cooled beans into freezer-safe containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label them with the date.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread beans on a baking dish and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are marinated butter beans?

Marinated butter beans are creamy beans soaked in a flavorful marinade made from olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and fresh herbs. They are deliciously versatile!

How long should I marinate butter beans?

For optimal flavor, let your marinated butter beans sit for at least 10 minutes. However, allowing them to marinate for up to 30 minutes is ideal.

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned ones?

While you can use dried butter beans, you’ll need to soak and cook them first. Canned butter beans save time and are ready to use immediately.

What can I serve with marinated butter beans?

These marinated butter beans pair well with toasted sourdough bread or can be served as part of a salad or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or veggies.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans offer a delightful combination of flavors that make them both satisfying and healthy. This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients like different vegetables or spices! Give it a try; you won’t regret it!