Marry Me Butter Beans

Marry Me Butter Beans are a delightful and creamy dish that is sure to win your heart! This rich recipe features sun-dried tomatoes and butter beans, making it the perfect vegan and gluten-free dinner option. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this dish brings comfort and flavor to the table. Its unique combination of ingredients delivers a luscious experience that you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The sun-dried tomatoes and herbs infuse the butter beans with rich and vibrant flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or even as a spread on toast.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not just tasty but nutritious too.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking Marry Me Butter Beans, gather your tools to make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Garlic press (optional)
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking everything together, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Garlic press: Saves time by easily mincing garlic, enhancing the dish’s flavor without hassle.

Ingredients

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

For the Base

• 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

For the Creamy Mix

• 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: Prepare Your Ingredients

To prep, finely dice the shallots, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the garlic. I recommend using a garlic press if you have it.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Next, add the vegan butter to a large pot and melt over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add in the shallots and garlic. Stir together and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spices

Add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes. Stir everything together and sauté for another minute until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter Beans

Add the can of butter beans to the pan along with the liquid from the can—this makes the beans really creamy. Then stir in the coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.

Step 5: Simmer for Flavor

Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, cook for about 5 minutes to reduce some of the liquid while heating through.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the sauce has thickened nicely, stir in fresh basil leaves. Season with salt & pepper to your liking before removing from heat.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve while warm with a big slice of toasted bread. Enjoy your Marry Me Butter Beans!

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans

Marry Me Butter Beans are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them an excellent centerpiece or side. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Toasted Bread

• Serve the butter beans alongside a thick slice of toasted bread for a satisfying and hearty meal. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Spoon the butter beans over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This adds extra texture and makes it a filling dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.

As a Pasta Sauce

• Use the creamy butter beans as a sauce for your favorite pasta. Tossing them with cooked pasta creates a comforting and delicious meal.

In a Salad

• Incorporate the butter beans into a fresh salad. Their creaminess complements crisp greens, making for a delightful contrast in textures.

Stuffed in Peppers

• Fill bell peppers with Marry Me Butter Beans and bake until the peppers are tender. This adds a beautiful presentation and enhances the flavors.

How to Perfect Marry Me Butter Beans

Creating perfect Marry Me Butter Beans is all about balancing flavors and achieving that creamy texture. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh shallots and garlic enhance flavors significantly, so opt for fresh over dried when possible.
• Don’t strain the beans: Including the liquid from the canned butter beans creates a richer, creamier sauce.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Salt and pepper can dramatically change the flavor profile, so taste and adjust as needed.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding other herbs like thyme or parsley for added layers of flavor.
• Let it simmer longer: If you have time, allow it to simmer longer than 5 minutes to deepen the flavors even more.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Butter Beans

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Butter Beans can take your meal to the next level. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish well.

1. Garlic Bread – A classic pairing that brings crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into the creamy beans.
2. Steamed Vegetables – Lightly seasoned steamed veggies add freshness and balance out the richness of the butter beans.
3. Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the dish.
4. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes offer delightful crunchiness, enhancing your overall meal experience.
5. Wild Rice Pilaf – The nutty flavors of wild rice complement butter beans wonderfully while adding extra nutrition.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Charred asparagus adds both color and texture, making it an elegant side choice.
7. Couscous Salad – A light couscous salad with lemon zest will brighten up your plate alongside these creamy beans.
8. Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil as a light base for your butter beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when trying a new recipe like Marry Me Butter Beans. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the prep work: Not dicing shallots or mincing garlic in advance can slow you down. Always prepare your ingredients before starting to cook.
• Straining the beans: Some may think draining the canned butter beans is necessary. However, keeping the liquid adds creaminess to the dish, so don’t strain!
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can leave your dish bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance flavors.
• Overcooking the sauce: Cooking too long can make the sauce too thick or dry. Simmer just until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step; add it at the end for maximum freshness!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Marry Me Butter Beans

• Transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Marry Me Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Marry Me Butter Beans?

Marry Me Butter Beans are rich and creamy butter beans cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, creating a flavorful vegan dish.

Can I customize Marry Me Butter Beans?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or spices according to your taste preference to make it your own.

Are Marry Me Butter Beans gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is entirely gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.

How do I make Marry Me Butter Beans spicy?

To spice things up, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Butter Beans are not only simple and quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any dinner occasion. Whether served as a main dish or a side, these creamy beans offer rich flavors that can be customized easily. Give this recipe a try and enjoy experimenting with your favorite ingredients!