Marry Me Butter Beans

These Marry Me Butter Beans are a delightful plant-based dish that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a casual meal with friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, coconut cream, and fresh basil creates a unique taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and spices elevates the taste profile, making it irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal as a main course or as a hearty side, it pairs well with various accompaniments.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber and protein from butter beans, it’s both satisfying and healthy.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Suitable for many dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools ready. This will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Garlic press (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring even cooking.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes dicing shallots and chopping tomatoes quick and easy.

Ingredients

These rich & creamy sun-dried tomato butter beans make the easiest vegan and gluten-free dinner idea!

• 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 large shallot (peeled & finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (marinated in oil & chopped)
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 15 ounces canned butter beans (1 can with the liquid added to the pot – do not strain!)
• 2 Tablespoons coconut cream
• 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Salt & pepper to taste (season to your liking here!)

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

To begin, finely dice the shallots, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the garlic. A garlic press can speed up this process if available.

Step 2: Melt Vegan Butter

Next, add the vegan butter to a large pot and melt over medium heat until sizzling.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

Once melted, add in the shallots and garlic. Stir together and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spices

Incorporate the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes. Stir well and sauté for another minute.

Step 5: Combine Butter Beans

Now add the can of butter beans directly into the pan along with its liquid. This will help create a creamy texture. Add in the coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice as well.

Step 6: Simmer

Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce some liquid while warming through.

Step 7: Finish with Basil

After thickening slightly, fold in the fresh basil. Season with salt & pepper to your preference.

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm accompanied by toasted bread or your favorite grain. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Butter Beans!

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans

Marry Me Butter Beans are a delightful and creamy dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Toasted Bread

• Serve the butter beans on a slice of crusty toasted bread for a satisfying crunch. The creaminess of the beans pairs perfectly with the texture of the bread.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Spoon the butter beans over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty, filling meal. This combination adds extra fiber and makes it a complete dish.

In a Salad

• Add a scoop of Marry Me Butter Beans to your favorite salad for added protein and creaminess. It complements greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers beautifully.

As a Dip

• Serve the butter beans as a dip with vegetable sticks or pita chips. This makes for a great appetizer or snack option that’s healthy and delicious.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair the butter beans with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The freshness of the veggies balances out the rich flavors of the dish.

How to Perfect Marry Me Butter Beans

To make your Marry Me Butter Beans even more delicious, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots, garlic, and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to their dried counterparts.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a well-seasoned dish.
• Cook low and slow: Allowing the beans to simmer longer can deepen their flavor. Just ensure you keep an eye on liquid levels.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add more spices like smoked paprika or cumin for an extra kick.
• Add greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Serve immediately: For optimal creaminess, serve the dish while warm as it tends to thicken upon cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Butter Beans

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Butter Beans can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements any meal; simply toast bread with garlic butter until golden brown.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition; toss them with olive oil and herbs before roasting.
3. Green Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides freshness; combine mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Grilled Corn: Sweet corn on the cob grilled until charred enhances summer vibes; brush with vegan butter before grilling.
5. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with diced bell peppers and herbs offers a light yet satisfying side; prepare it quickly in just 10 minutes.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes create a sweet contrast; bake them until tender, then season lightly before serving.
7. Pasta Primavera: Light pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables brings together various textures; use whole-grain pasta for added health benefits.
8. Quinoa Pilaf: Flavorful quinoa pilaf cooked with broth and herbs adds protein; it’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Marry Me Butter Beans, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much liquid: Adding excess liquid can make the dish watery. Stick to the canned butter beans’ liquid, which ensures a creamy texture.
• Overcooking garlic: Burning garlic can create a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, before adding other ingredients.
• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh basil enhances the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip it; add it at the end for a burst of freshness.
• Straining the beans: Straining canned butter beans removes their creamy liquid. Always add them directly from the can for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Marry Me Butter Beans

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Marry Me Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Marry Me Butter Beans that may help you during preparation.

What are Marry Me Butter Beans?

Marry Me Butter Beans are rich, creamy beans cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, creating a delicious vegan dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Can I customize Marry Me Butter Beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or kale or swap out herbs based on your taste preferences.

How do I make Marry Me Butter Beans gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Ensure all products used are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?

These butter beans pair well with toasted bread, salads, or as a side dish with grains like quinoa or rice.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Butter Beans are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. This recipe allows room for customization, making it suitable for various tastes. Whether served as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides, this meal is sure to impress!