Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that brings together creamy, tender beans and a vibrant mix of flavors. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a delicious side dish for dinner. The unique combination of pickled red onions, olives, and roasted peppers makes it stand out. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and fiber, ensuring a nutritious option for everyone to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking time, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The spicy olive and lemon marinade adds a zesty kick that elevates the creamy butter beans.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Marinated Butter Beans on their own or spread on toasted sourdough for a satisfying snack.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only tasty but also contributes to a healthy diet.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these marinated beans fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Marinated Butter Beans, having the right tools can make your cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Airtight glass container

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spilling.
• Saucepan: Perfect for heating the marinade while allowing you to whisk it easily.
• Airtight glass container: Ideal for storing leftovers securely in the fridge.

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: Combine the Ingredients

Add the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt into a large serving bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare 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 slightly, take it off the heat.

Step 3: Marinate the Beans

Pour the warm marinade over the bowl of ingredients. Toss gently to combine everything well. Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; ideally let them sit for about 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Store

Enjoy your Marinated Butter Beans on toasted sourdough bread or on their own. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans make a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

On Toast

• Toasted sourdough: Spread marinated butter beans on crispy sourdough for a delightful appetizer or light lunch.
• Garlic bread: Top slices of garlic bread with the marinated beans for a tasty twist.

In Salads

• Mixed greens: Toss marinated butter beans with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing side salad.
• Grain bowls: Add them to quinoa or farro bowls, layering in veggies and your favorite dressing.

As a Dip

• Pita chips: Serve the marinated beans with pita chips as a delicious dip at gatherings or parties.
• Veggie sticks: Pair them with carrot and celery sticks for a healthy snack option.

As a Side Dish

• Grilled veggies: Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate.
• Pasta dishes: Use marinated butter beans as a protein-packed topping for pasta meals.

How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

To ensure your marinated butter beans are bursting with flavor, consider these simple tips.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley enhance the taste significantly compared to dried herbs.
• Allow time to marinate: Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes, but ideally 30 minutes, to let the flavors meld beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture before serving; feel free to add more salt or lemon juice based on your preference.
• Experiment with spices: Add different spices like smoked paprika or oregano for an extra kick of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Pairing marinated butter beans with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the creaminess of the butter beans.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled until tender provide smoky flavors that pair well.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized offer a sweet contrast to the savory marinated beans.
4. Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and olive oil serves as an easy base that absorbs the marinade’s flavors beautifully.
5. Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots adds crunch and freshness alongside the creamy texture of the beans.
6. Hummus Platter: Serve with assorted hummus flavors, providing creamy dips that enhance the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing marinated butter beans, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly skip rinsing: Not rinsing the butter beans can lead to a salty or metallic taste. Always drain and rinse canned beans before use for a fresher flavor.
• Boldly over-marinate: Leaving the beans in the marinade for too long can make them overly salty. Aim for at least 10 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes, for optimal flavor absorption.
• Boldly forget seasoning: Skipping salt or spices can result in bland marinated butter beans. Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning — taste and adjust as needed!
• Boldly ignore storage tips: Storing marinated beans improperly can spoil them quickly. Use airtight containers and keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.
• Boldly skimp on herbs: Using insufficient fresh herbs can diminish flavor depth. Fresh dill and parsley add vibrant notes, so don’t hold back on these ingredients!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the beans and vegetables.
• If necessary, freeze without the marinade and add fresh marinade after thawing.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spread beans on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans that you might find helpful.

How can I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?

You can add different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, or swap herbs for your favorites like basil or cilantro to make it your own!

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried butter beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before marinating.

What should I serve with Marinated Butter Beans?

These beans pair well with toasted sourdough, salads, or as part of a Mediterranean platter with hummus and pita.

How long do Marinated Butter Beans last in the fridge?

They remain fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for various meals. The combination of flavors from pickled onions, olives, and herbs creates a delightful dish that’s high in protein and fiber. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as is!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Marinated Butter Beans

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marinated Butter Beans are a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines creamy butter beans with a medley of flavorful ingredients, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or as a side dish. This recipe features tangy pickled red onions, briny olives, and roasted peppers, all enveloped in a zesty olive oil and lemon marinade. Rich in protein and fiber, these marinated beans not only satisfy the taste buds but also contribute to a healthy diet. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, they can be enjoyed on their own, spread on toasted sourdough, or tossed into salads for a refreshing twist.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (14 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, roughly chopped
• 1 jarred roasted red pepper, roughly chopped
• 6–7 jarred artichoke hearts, halved
• Fresh dill, minced
• Fresh parsley, minced
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 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
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine butter beans, red onion, olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until warm and slightly frothy.
3. Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve on its own or atop toasted sourdough.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg