Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that brings together creamy beans, zesty flavors, and colorful ingredients. This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings or as a nutritious side dish for dinner. With its high protein and fiber content, Marinated Butter Beans not only taste amazing but also provide excellent health benefits. Whether enjoyed on their own or atop toasted bread, this dish will surely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just about 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of lemon juice, olives, and spices creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a standalone meal or as a hearty side, these marinated butter beans fit into various cuisines.
• Nutritious Choice: High in protein and fiber, this dish supports a healthy diet while satisfying hunger.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinated Butter Beans can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Marinated Butter Beans efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These simple kitchen items will help you create this delightful dish with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large serving bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large serving bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Saucepan: Perfect for heating the marinade evenly and preventing burning.
• Whisk: Ensures all marinade ingredients are well combined 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!

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
• 1 lemon’s worth of zest
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed

For the Marinade

• 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: Mix 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 while you prepare the marinade.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Heat over medium-high heat while whisking occasionally. Once the marinade starts to froth and bubble gently, remove it from heat.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Pour the hot marinade over the bean mixture in your serving bowl. Gently toss to combine all ingredients well. Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; however, letting them marinate for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors even more.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Marinated Butter Beans on toasted sourdough or simply enjoy them as they are. Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days. Enjoy this delicious dish!

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side dish, these beans can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious dish.

On Toasted Sourdough

• A crunchy base: Serve the marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the beans.

As a Salad Topping

• Fresh greens: Add marinated butter beans on top of mixed greens, along with cherry tomatoes and cucumber for a refreshing salad that’s packed with protein.

In a Wrap

• Quick and easy: Roll up marinated butter beans with your choice of veggies in a whole grain wrap for a nutritious and filling lunch option.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Smoky flavor: Pair the marinated beans with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to enhance the Mediterranean flavors of this dish.

As a Dip

• Perfect for sharing: Serve marinated butter beans as a dip alongside pita chips or vegetable sticks for an appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Mixed into Pasta

• Hearty meal: Toss the marinated butter beans into cooked pasta, along with fresh herbs and olives, for a satisfying main dish that’s quick to prepare.

How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

To make your marinated butter beans even better, consider these helpful tips. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate this dish to new heights.

• Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors of your marinade.
• Let it rest: Allowing the marinated beans to sit longer than 30 minutes will deepen the flavors, so plan ahead if you can.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt or acidity as needed; every ingredient’s flavor can vary.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs; smoked paprika or oregano can add unique twists.
• Serve chilled: This dish is also delicious served cold; it makes for a refreshing summer meal or picnic option.
• Add protein: For an extra boost, mix in some feta cheese or chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans can be complemented by many side dishes. Here are some great options that work well together!

1. Grilled Corn Salad
   A bright salad featuring sweet corn, red onion, and lime dressing that adds sweetness and acidity.

2. Quinoa Pilaf
   Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs and spices provides a healthy base that pairs well with buttery flavors.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Crispy roasted sweet potatoes bring sweetness to balance out the savory notes of the marinated butter beans.

4. Mediterranean Couscous
   A light couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives offers refreshing flavors that complement the dish nicely.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple yet nutritious steamed broccoli adds color and crunch while keeping the meal light.

6. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze create a classic combination that’s hard to resist.

7. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up those marinated butter beans while adding an aromatic touch.

8. Zucchini Noodles
   Spiralized zucchini served lightly sautéed makes for a low-carb alternative that pairs beautifully with rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing marinated butter beans, avoiding common pitfalls will help ensure a delicious outcome.

• Not rinsing the beans: Always rinse canned butter beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
• Skipping the marinade resting time: Allow the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavors. Longer is even better!
• Overcrowding the bowl: If your bowl is too small, it can be difficult to mix everything well. Use a large bowl for even distribution of ingredients.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving and adjust salt or spice levels as needed for optimal flavor.
• Using stale herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Ensure your dill and parsley are fresh for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store marinated butter beans in an airtight glass container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the fridge without losing flavor.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• Freeze marinated butter beans in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in a baking dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans that might help you out.

How do I serve marinated butter beans?

Marinated butter beans taste great on their own or served on toasted sourdough bread. You can also add them to salads or grain bowls for extra protein.

Can I customize my marinated butter beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, or switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand.

Are marinated butter beans healthy?

Yes! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

How long do marinated butter beans last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use dried butter beans instead?

Yes, if you prefer using dried butter beans, ensure you soak and cook them thoroughly before adding them to your marinade.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences!

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: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marinated Butter Beans are a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines creamy butter beans with zesty ingredients like olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also serves as a nutritious option that’s perfect for casual gatherings or as a hearty side dish. With its high protein and fiber content, this marinated bean salad provides excellent health benefits while tantalizing your taste buds. Serve it on toasted bread, mix it into salads, or enjoy it straight from the bowl—either way, your guests will be impressed!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (400g) butter beans
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
• 6–7 jarred artichoke hearts, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Marinade: 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey/maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

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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. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne in a saucepan over medium heat until frothy.
3. Pour the hot marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving—30 minutes enhances flavor even further.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg