Marinated Butter Beans
Think creamy butter beans tossed with vibrant pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts in a spicy olive and lemon marinade. This Marinated Butter Beans recipe is perfect for any gathering or as a healthy meal prep option. It’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a standout dish for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 45 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful dish ready to serve.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these marinated beans on their own, as a side dish, or piled on toasted sourdough.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Rich in protein and fiber, this recipe is a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of olives, artichokes, and spices creates a deliciously tangy and zesty flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days; they taste even better after marinating!
Tools and Preparation
To make these marinated butter beans effortlessly, gather your tools ahead of time. Having the right equipment will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Saucepan: Ideal for heating your marinade evenly while whisking.
- Whisk: Ensures that all marinade components blend well together for maximum flavor.
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
– 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, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt into a large serving bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a saucepan:
1. Combine 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 the mixture froths. Then remove from heat.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture in the bowl. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
Step 4: Let it Marinate
Allow the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; for best results let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread or enjoy them plain. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.
How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Their creamy texture and zesty flavor make them perfect for various occasions, from casual lunches to elegant dinners.
On Toasted Sourdough
- Toast slices of sourdough bread until golden brown for a crunchy base.
- Top with marinated butter beans for a delightful open-faced sandwich.
As a Salad
- Mix marinated butter beans with fresh greens like arugula or spinach.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice for an extra zing.
In a Grain Bowl
- Add marinated butter beans to a bowl of cooked quinoa or brown rice.
- Include roasted vegetables and your favorite dressing for a hearty meal.
As a Dip
- Serve marinated butter beans in a bowl as a dip with pita chips or vegetable sticks.
- Garnish with extra dill or parsley for added freshness.
With Grilled Meats
- Pair marinated butter beans as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- The tangy marinade complements smoky flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
To ensure your marinated butter beans reach their full potential, follow these helpful tips.
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Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley enhance flavor significantly. Choose vibrant herbs for the best taste.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste the marinade before combining it with the beans. Feel free to add more salt or spices according to your preference.
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Let them sit: Allow the marinated butter beans to rest for at least 10 minutes. Longer marination intensifies flavors, making them even tastier.
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Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding other ingredients like feta cheese or sun-dried tomatoes for more complexity and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Marinated butter beans can shine alongside various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complement this flavorful dish.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy bread brushed with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up the beans. Bake until golden brown.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your meal.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing the creaminess of the butter beans beautifully.
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Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon makes a light side that pairs well with marinated butter beans.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with herb-infused butter offers a delicious contrast in texture and sweetness.
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Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables brings extra fiber and flavor to your table, making it an excellent companion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making marinated butter beans, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- ingredient choices: Using low-quality olives or artichokes can lessen the dish’s taste. Always opt for high-quality, flavorful ingredients to enhance your marinade.
- insufficient marinating time: Not allowing enough time for the flavors to meld can result in bland beans. Aim for at least 30 minutes for the best results; longer is even better!
- neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every palate is different. Taste your marinade before pouring it over the beans and adjust the salt, acidity, or spice levels as needed.
- ignoring freshness: Fresh herbs are key to a bright flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same impact, so always use fresh dill and parsley when possible.
- underestimating presentation: This dish is as much about looks as it is about flavor. Serve marinated butter beans on a bed of leafy greens or with toasted bread for visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store marinated butter beans in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- You can freeze marinated butter beans if necessary.
- Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place beans in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Add to a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making marinated butter beans, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them first. Canned butter beans save time and make this recipe easier.
How do I customize my marinated butter beans?
Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or feta cheese to suit your taste!
What dishes pair well with marinated butter beans?
They complement various dishes like grilled meats or can be served as a hearty side salad.
How long do marinated butter beans last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also versatile! This dish makes a perfect appetizer or side and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Don’t hesitate to try it out; you might discover your new go-to recipe!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Creamy butter beans are tossed with vibrant pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts in a zesty olive and lemon marinade. This recipe not only bursts with flavor but is also high in protein and fiber, making it an ideal option for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. Serve these marinated butter beans as a refreshing salad, a flavorful side dish on toasted sourdough, or enjoy them as a wholesome snack. With their vibrant colors and tangy taste, they are sure to impress at gatherings or make for an easy meal prep choice throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) butter beans
- ½ small red onion
- ½ cup green olives
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper
- 6–7 artichoke hearts
- Fresh dill and parsley
- Lemon juice and zest
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
- For the marinade, heat lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan until frothy.
- Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Let the mixture marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving; longer marination enhances flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
