Marinated Butter Beans
Think creamy marinated butter beans, paired with pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, tossed in a spicy olive and lemon marinade. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also high in both protein and fiber! Perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, these marinated butter beans will impress your guests while being easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total prep time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Combination: The mixture of creamy butter beans with zesty lemon and spices creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or enjoy it on its own. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as part of your meal prep.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, these marinated butter beans are a healthy addition to any meal.
- Customizable Recipe: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of marinated butter beans, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large serving bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large serving bowl: Ideal for mixing all the ingredients together without making a mess.
- Saucepan: Necessary for heating the marinade ingredients to enhance their flavors.
- Whisk: Helps combine the marinade evenly for a well-flavored dish.
Ingredients
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 Ingredients
Add the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, halved artichokes, minced dill, minced parsley, lemon zest, and salt into a large serving bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a saucepan, add the following:
Lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Honey (or maple syrup)
Finely minced garlic
Red pepper flakes
Cumin
Cayenne pepper
Place on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Whisk occasionally until the marinade starts to froth and bubble. Once it bubbles, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the hot marinade over the mixed ingredients in the large serving bowl. Toss gently to combine all elements thoroughly.
Step 4: Allow to Marinate
Let the marinated butter beans sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; however, allowing them to marinate for up to 30 minutes will enhance flavors even more.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread or savor them on their own. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.
This recipe serves three people, making it perfect for a small gathering or family dinner!
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans are a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some delicious ways to serve them for a delightful dining experience.
On Toasted Sourdough
- Serve the marinated butter beans on slices of toasted sourdough bread for a crunchy contrast. This combination makes for a hearty snack or light lunch.
As a Salad Base
- Use marinated butter beans as a base for salads. Add mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers to create a refreshing and nutritious salad.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Pair the marinated beans with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The smoky flavors enhance the dish beautifully.
In Wraps
- Wrap marinated butter beans in whole wheat tortillas with fresh spinach and avocado. This makes for a quick and healthy meal option.
As a Dip
- Serve marinated butter beans as a dip with pita chips or fresh vegetables. Their creamy texture and zesty flavor will impress your guests at any gathering.
In Grain Bowls
- Add marinated butter beans to grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice, topped with avocado and sesame seeds for an energizing meal.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
To ensure your marinated butter beans are always perfect, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil make a big difference in flavor.
- Let Them Marinate: Allowing the butter beans to sit in the marinade enhances their taste. Aim for at least 30 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt or acidity according to preference.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute dill or parsley with other herbs like basil or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
- Serve Chilled: For a refreshing dish, chill the marinated butter beans in the fridge before serving.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: Leftover marinated beans can be added to soups or pasta dishes for extra protein and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs adds nutty flavors that match well with the beans.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crisp provide a delightful contrast in taste and texture.
- Greek Yogurt Tzatziki: A refreshing tzatziki made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic offers a cool balance to the dish.
- Crispy Kale Chips: Baked kale chips add crunchiness and are an excellent healthful snack alongside your marinated beans.
- Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with olives and sun-dried tomatoes works beautifully as an accompaniment.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: For non-vegetarians, grilled shrimp skewers provide protein that complements the creamy beans perfectly.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies add both visual appeal and taste to your table.
- Classic Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch that pairs nicely with the savory flavors of marinated butter beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making marinated butter beans can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing the beans to marinate long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes enhances taste.
- Using Dull Ingredients: Fresh ingredients elevate the dish. Always choose vibrant produce like fresh herbs and bright olives for optimal flavor.
- Over-seasoning: Adding too much salt or spice can overpower the dish. Start with less, taste, and adjust accordingly.
- Forgetting to Rinse Beans: Not rinsing canned beans can result in excess sodium and a tinny taste. Always drain and rinse them thoroughly before use.
- Ignoring Texture: Cutting veggies too large or too small affects the overall texture of the dish. Aim for uniform sizes for balanced bites.
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
- Place the beans in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before use.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place beans in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans that you might find helpful.
How long should I marinate butter beans?
Marinate your butter beans for at least 10 minutes, but ideally let them sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
Can I customize my marinated butter beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or different herbs!
Are marinated butter beans healthy?
Yes! Marinated butter beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.
What can I serve with marinated butter beans?
These flavorful beans pair well with toasted bread, salads, or as part of a Mediterranean platter.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them perfect as a side dish or light meal. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its wholesome goodness!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful and nutritious dish that combines creamy butter beans with pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, all tossed in a zesty olive and lemon marinade.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) butter beans
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper
- 6–7 jarred artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic
- Spices: red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine drained butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, halved artichokes, minced dill and parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
- Make the Marinade: 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 bubbling. Remove from heat.
- Combine Everything: Pour the hot marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Allow to Marinate: Let sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy on toasted sourdough bread or as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 157g
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
