Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that combines creamy butter beans with vibrant flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner party or a refreshing side for your summer barbecue. With the added zing from pickled red onions and olives, these marinated beans stand out for their unique taste and high nutritional value, being rich in protein and fiber.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an easy go-to for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and spices creates a zesty marinade that makes each bite exciting.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted sourdough, as part of a salad, or as a light snack. It fits into any meal plan!
- Healthy Choice: With high protein and fiber content, this dish provides satisfying nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and store in the fridge for up to five days; flavors only get better over time!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the ingredients, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures consistent results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Saucepan: Essential for heating the marinade; ensure even blending of flavors.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the marinade smoothly without lumps.
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:
For the 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
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced and loosely packed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced and loosely packed
For the Marinade
- 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
How to Make Marinated Butter Beans
Step 1: Combine the Base 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 to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a saucepan:
1. Add the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat on medium-high while whisking occasionally until it starts to froth.
3. Remove from heat once bubbling.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
Pour the hot marinade over the bean mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Let It Marinate
Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; however, letting them sit for 30 minutes enhances flavor absorption.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough or on their own! Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.
This Marinated Butter Beans recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with flavor that you won’t want to miss out on!
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light lunch or part of a hearty dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Toasted Sourdough: Spread the marinated butter beans on warm, toasted sourdough for a delightful crunch.
- Garlic Bread: Top slices of garlic bread with the beans for a flavorful twist.
As a Salad
- Green Salad: Toss the marinated beans into a fresh green salad for added protein and texture.
- Grain Bowl: Combine with quinoa or farro, adding veggies for a nutritious grain bowl.
As an Appetizer
- Tapas Style: Serve in small bowls as part of a tapas spread alongside olives and cheeses.
- Bruschetta: Use as a topping on bruschetta for an easy appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.
With Grains
- Couscous: Mix into couscous with herbs and lemon for a refreshing side dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve alongside rice pilaf for a filling meal option.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider these tips when preparing marinated butter beans.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley elevate the dish’s taste compared to dried herbs.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the marinade before pouring it over the beans; adjust salt and spices to your liking.
- Let it rest: Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving; this enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or arugula for extra freshness and color.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Pairing marinated butter beans with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve with seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful plate.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This salad offers flavors of feta, cucumber, and tomatoes that complement the beans well.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances beautifully with the spicy marinade.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: A tangy yogurt dip adds creaminess and pairs perfectly with the spice of the beans.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Baked or fried potato wedges provide crunch and heartiness alongside the creamy beans.
- Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon adds brightness and freshness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Marinated Butter Beans turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch for.
- Over-marinating: Leaving the beans in the marinade for too long can make them soggy. Aim for 10 to 30 minutes for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not adding enough salt or spices can result in bland flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Using stale ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality olive oil make a big difference. Ensure your ingredients are fresh for optimal taste.
- Skipping rinsing: Rinsing canned butter beans removes excess sodium and improves flavor. Always rinse before using them in your recipe.
- Not balancing flavors: If your dish is too acidic, add a touch of sweetness like honey or maple syrup. This will help balance the overall flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Marinated Butter Beans in an airtight glass container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the beans.
- If necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, but be aware that quality may diminish.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread beans on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Marinated Butter Beans that might help you as you prepare this tasty dish.
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Just be sure to soak and cook them thoroughly before marinating.
How do I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?
Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumber. You can also switch up the herbs based on your preference!
Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?
Absolutely! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option for any meal.
How long do marinated beans last?
When stored properly, marinated butter beans will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I serve these beans warm or cold?
You can serve Marinated Butter Beans either way! They taste great chilled or at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
Marinated Butter Beans are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This dish makes a fantastic appetizer or side, and it pairs well with many meals. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together creamy butter beans, tangy pickled red onions, zesty olives, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 45 minutes and is perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to casual dinners. Packed with protein and fiber, these marinated beans not only tantalize your taste buds but also offer a nutritious boost to your meal. Serve them on toasted sourdough, toss them into salads, or enjoy them as a light snack for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 can (about 14 oz) butter beans
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper
- 6–7 artichoke hearts
- Fresh dill and parsley
- Marinade: lemon zest
- lemon juice
- extra virgin olive oil
- honey (or maple syrup)
- garlic
- red pepper flakes
- cumin
- cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine drained butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
- 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 pepper until bubbling.
- Pour the hot marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 10 minutes (30 minutes for enhanced flavor).
- Serve on toasted sourdough or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
