Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that combines creamy butter beans with vibrant flavors from pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts. Tossed in a zesty olive and lemon marinade, this dish is perfect for gatherings or as a nutritious side at dinner. With its high protein and fiber content, it stands out as a healthy choice that is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking required, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon juice, fresh herbs, and spices elevates the taste of simple butter beans to something extraordinary.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these marinated butter beans as a standalone snack, on toasted bread, or as a side dish for your favorite protein.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish supports a balanced diet while being delicious.
• Make Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, allowing you to prepare them in advance for even better taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Marinated Butter Beans effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is vital for combining all ingredients evenly without making a mess.
• Saucepan: Used for heating the marinade quickly; ensures all flavors meld together beautifully.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 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

For the Salad

• 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

How to Make Marinated Butter Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Bean Mixture

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: Create the Marinade

In a saucepan:
* Add the lemon juice.
* Pour in the olive oil.
* Add honey or maple syrup.
* Stir in minced garlic.
* Sprinkle in red pepper flakes along with cumin and cayenne pepper.
Heat on medium-high heat while whisking occasionally. Remove from heat once it starts frothing.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture in your bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Allow the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; letting them rest for about 30 minutes will enhance the flavors even more.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough or simply on their own. Leftovers can be stored 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 enhance many meals. Here are some delightful ways to serve them, whether as an appetizer or a main course.

On Toast

• Sourdough Bread: Serve marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough for a crunchy and flavorful bite.
• Whole Grain Toast: Use whole grain bread for added texture and nutrition; it complements the creamy beans well.

As a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss marinated butter beans with fresh greens like spinach or arugula for a refreshing salad.
• Mediterranean Salad: Incorporate feta cheese and cucumber for a Mediterranean flair.

As a Dip

• With Crackers: Serve the marinated beans as a dip alongside your favorite crackers for a quick snack.
• Veggie Platter: Pair with fresh vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers for a healthy option.

In Wraps

• Tortilla Wraps: Use tortillas to wrap marinated butter beans with additional veggies for a satisfying meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the beans in large lettuce leaves, making them easy to grab and enjoy.

How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

To create the best marinated butter beans, follow these simple tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will elevate your dish, adding vibrant flavors.
• Let It Marinate Longer: Allowing the beans to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes enhances their taste significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or lemon juice based on your preference.
• Experiment with Marinade: Try adding different spices or herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to customize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

Pairing marinated butter beans with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables add smokiness that pairs well with the creamy beans.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides a nutritious base that works harmoniously with marinated flavors.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes offer texture contrast while being filling and satisfying.
4. Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs makes for a delightful side that complements the dish perfectly.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers great contrast in flavor and is perfect for scooping up those delicious beans.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds nutrients without overpowering the main dish’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing marinated butter beans, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Ignoring the soaking time: Not allowing the flavors to meld can result in bland beans. Always let your marinated butter beans sit for at least 10 minutes, but 30 minutes is ideal.
• Under-seasoning the marinade: A lack of seasoning can lead to a flat taste. Make sure to taste and adjust salt and other spices before serving.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish flavor depth. Whenever possible, choose fresh dill and parsley for an aromatic boost.
• Not using enough acid: Failing to include enough lemon juice or vinegar may make the dish feel heavy. Ensure your marinade has a good balance of acidity for brightness.
• Using low-quality olive oil: The quality of olive oil impacts flavor significantly. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste in your marinated butter beans.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover marinated butter beans in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• You can freeze marinated butter beans by placing them in freezer-safe containers.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making marinated butter beans:

What are Marinated Butter Beans?

Marinated butter beans are creamy beans tossed in a flavorful marinade made with lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, often featuring fresh herbs and vegetables.

Can I customize my marinated butter beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, or even different herbs like basil or cilantro for varied flavors.

How long do marinated butter beans last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, marinated butter beans will last up to 5 days.

Can I serve marinated butter beans as a salad?

Yes! Marinated butter beans make an excellent salad base or side dish, perfect for picnics or gatherings.

Are there any substitutions I can make?

You can substitute different types of beans or add protein like grilled chicken or turkey to enhance this dish’s nutritional value.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe packs protein and fiber while allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Enjoy it on its own or as a topping on toasted bread!