Marinated Butter Beans
Think creamy marinated butter beans, paired with pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts, tossed in a spicy olive and lemon marinade. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner party. The combination of flavors makes it a standout choice while being high in both protein and fiber!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Boost: Marinated butter beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cooking, this recipe is quick to whip up.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted sourdough or as a side dish; the choice is yours!
- Flavorful Explosion: The spicy olive and lemon marinade enhances the beans, creating a delicious flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored for several days, perfect for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make marinated butter beans, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and enhances your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Saucepan: Ideal for heating the marinade evenly without burning.
- Whisk: Ensures that the marinade ingredients 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!
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 Herbs & Zest
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced and loosely packed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced and loosely packed
- 1 lemon’s worth of zest
For the Marinade
- 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. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat on medium-high heat while whisking occasionally.
3. Once the mixture starts to froth and bubble, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
Step 4: Let It Marinate
Allow the marinated beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; ideally let them sit for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread or on their own! Store any 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 delicious, making them a fantastic addition to various meals. Here are some creative ways to serve this flavorful dish.
On Toast
- Top toasted sourdough bread with marinated butter beans for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
As a Salad
- Mix the marinated beans with fresh greens, like arugula or spinach, for a refreshing salad.
With Grains
- Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious and filling meal.
As a Dip
- Blend the marinated butter beans into a spread for crackers or veggies during gatherings.
In Wraps
- Use as a filling in wraps with your favorite vegetables for a quick lunch option.
How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
Achieving the best flavor with marinated butter beans is easy with these tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dish.
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Let it marinate: Allowing the beans to sit for at least 30 minutes helps develop deeper flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt or spices as needed to suit your palate.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to include different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
Pairing marinated butter beans with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish beautifully.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a smoky flavor.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with lemon zest and herbs enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic and rosemary pair perfectly with the creamy beans.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: A tangy dip can balance the flavors of the marinated butter beans nicely.
- Feta Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle feta over the dish for added creaminess and saltiness.
- Pita Chips: Crispy pita chips provide a delightful crunch alongside the creamy beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making marinated butter beans, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using unseasoned beans: Always choose high-quality canned or cooked butter beans that are well-seasoned. This enhances flavor and prevents blandness.
- Skipping the marinating time: Allowing the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes is crucial. Just think of it as letting the flavors meld together for a more delicious dish.
- Overlooking fresh herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add brightness to the dish. Don’t substitute with dried herbs, as they lack the vibrant flavor needed.
- Ignoring the spice balance: The marinade has a specific blend of spices. Adjusting these can change the intended flavor profile, so stick to the recipe for best results.
- Not tasting before serving: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt or acidity as necessary. A little tweak can make a big difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store marinated butter beans in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
- For longer storage, freeze marinated butter beans in a freezer-safe container.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about marinated butter beans that might help you perfect this dish.
What are marinated butter beans?
Marinated butter beans are creamy beans soaked in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices, creating a delicious side or salad.
How long can I store marinated butter beans?
You can store marinated butter beans in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I customize my marinated butter beans?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs too.
Are marinated butter beans healthy?
Yes! Marinated butter beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option for any meal.
Final Thoughts
Marinated butter beans offer incredible flavor and versatility. They work beautifully as a side dish or on their own atop toasted bread. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or spices for a unique twist!
Marinated Butter Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4
Description
Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful and nutritious 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 versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether served on toasted bread as a hearty snack or as a refreshing side at your next dinner party. Loaded with protein and fiber, these marinated beans not only tantalize your taste buds but also support a healthy diet. Easy to prepare and make ahead, they will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 can (about 14 oz) butter beans
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 jarred roasted red pepper
- 6–7 jarred artichoke hearts
- Fresh dill and parsley
- Lemon juice and zest
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, cumin, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey/maple syrup, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until frothy. Remove from heat.
- Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes (30 minutes recommended) before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
