Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that can elevate any meal. This recipe combines creamy butter beans with vibrant ingredients like pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, all enveloped in a zesty olive and lemon marinade. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side, these marinated beans are not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and tangy marinade creates a taste explosion.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish, on toasted sourdough, or even as a light lunch.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 45 minutes needed from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Healthy Option: High in protein and fiber, this dish is perfect for those seeking nutritious meals.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Marinated Butter Beans.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Saucepan: Needed for heating the marinade until it froths, enhancing the flavors.
- Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the marinade ingredients for even 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 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 Beans
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 while whisking occasionally until the mixture froths and bubbles.
3. Remove from heat once ready.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the marinade over the bean mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. For best flavor infusion, let them rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy your delicious Marinated Butter Beans on toasted sourdough or on their own! Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Their creamy texture and zesty flavors make them a delightful addition to many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions.
On Toast
- Toasted sourdough: Spread the marinated butter beans over toasted sourdough bread for a hearty snack or light meal.
- Avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with marinated butter beans for an extra protein boost.
As a Salad
- Green salad: Add marinated butter beans to a bed of mixed greens for a colorful and nutritious salad.
- Grain bowl: Incorporate them into a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and feta cheese.
As a Dip
- Serve with pita chips: Use marinated butter beans as a dip alongside crispy pita chips for a fun appetizer.
- Veggie platter: Pair them with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a healthy snack option.
In Wraps
- Wrap it up: Use marinated butter beans as a filling in wraps with hummus, spinach, and shredded carrots for a satisfying lunch.
- Lettuce cups: Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing bite-sized treat.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your marinated butter beans, follow these simple tips.
- Choose quality ingredients: Using high-quality olives and olive oil enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Let them sit: Allowing the beans to marinate for at least 30 minutes will deepen the flavors significantly.
- Customize spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences; add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!
- Fresh herbs matter: Fresh dill and parsley elevate the dish, so avoid dried herbs if possible for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or capers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness; they can last up to 5 days.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetables – A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant adds smoky flavors that balance out the creamy beans.
- Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty contrast to the soft texture of the butter beans.
- Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta makes for a satisfying meal when served together.
- Pasta Primavera – Light pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables pairs beautifully with marinated butter beans for a wholesome dinner option.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw brings crunchiness that complements the softness of the marinated butter beans perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and is an ideal summer side dish alongside this bean dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making marinated butter beans, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delightful dish.
- Ignoring the soaking time – Letting the butter beans soak for a while can enhance their flavor and texture. If using dried beans, soak them overnight before cooking.
- Skipping fresh herbs – Fresh herbs like dill and parsley elevate the dish’s flavor. Don’t substitute dried herbs as they won’t provide the same freshness.
- Overcooking the marinade – Heating the marinade too long can alter its taste. Remove it from heat when it starts to froth and bubble for the best results.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Always taste your marinated butter beans before serving. You may need to add more salt or spices based on your preference.
- Serving immediately after mixing – Letting the marinated mixture sit enhances flavors. Aim for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes is even better.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store marinated butter beans in an airtight container.
- They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- Place marinated butter beans in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop – In a pan over medium heat, stir until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans that might help you enjoy this dish even more.
What are Marinated Butter Beans?
Marinated butter beans are creamy beans infused with a zesty olive and lemon marinade, often paired with various vegetables for added flavor.
Can I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or chickpeas for different flavors and textures.
How long do Marinated Butter Beans last?
They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?
Yes! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option as part of a balanced diet.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! If using dried beans, make sure to soak and cook them thoroughly before marinating.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows room for customization, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Whether enjoyed on their own or served on toasted sourdough, these marinated beans are sure to please!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a delicious and nutritious dish that can effortlessly elevate any meal. This delightful recipe features creamy butter beans mingling with vibrant ingredients like pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, all enveloped in a zesty olive oil and lemon marinade. Whether served as a hearty side, atop toasted sourdough, or as part of a healthy lunch, these marinated beans are quick to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, making them perfect for picnics or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 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, 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 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the butter beans, sliced red onion, olives, roasted red pepper, artichokes, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until frothy. Remove from heat.
- Pour the marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
