Marry Me Butter Beans

These Marry Me Butter Beans are a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy textures, perfect for an easy weekday dinner or a cozy gathering. This vegan and gluten-free dish features hearty butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes, making it both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious taste and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, with toasted bread, or as a side to your favorite protein. It’s adaptable for any meal!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber and nutrients from butter beans, this dish supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Marry Me Butter Beans, you will need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your culinary experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Garlic press (optional)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the beans and mixing all the ingredients together evenly.
• Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic quick and easy, releasing maximum flavor without much effort.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing your ingredients efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A versatile tool that allows you to chop, dice, and mince ingredients with precision.

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 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 Shallots and Garlic

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 fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Next, add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes. Stir well to combine all flavors for another minute.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter Beans

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

Step 5: Simmer Together

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to reduce some of the liquid while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once thickened, add in fresh basil leaves. Season with salt & pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 7: Serve Warm

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

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans

Marry Me Butter Beans are versatile and can be enjoyed in several delightful ways. Whether as a main dish or a side, these creamy beans will impress your guests and make for a satisfying meal.

On Toast

• Serve the butter beans on a slice of toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

With Salad

• Pair the beans with a fresh green salad, adding some crunch with nuts or seeds, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Spoon the butter beans over fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious dinner that’s simple to prepare.

In Wraps

• Use the creamy butter beans as a filling in wraps with fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumber, and bell peppers for a tasty lunch.

As a Dip

• Blend the butter beans slightly for a chunky dip, perfect for serving with pita chips or vegetable sticks at your next gathering.

How to Perfect Marry Me Butter Beans

Achieving the best texture and flavor in your Marry Me Butter Beans is easy with a few key tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shallots and garlic provide more flavor than their dried versions.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to ensure your dish is perfectly seasoned.
• Simmer longer if needed: Allowing the beans to simmer longer can enhance their creaminess; just keep an eye on the liquid level.
• Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to try other herbs like parsley or chives for different flavor profiles.
• Add greens: Stir in some wilted spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition and color.
• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve your Marry Me Butter Beans warm with crusty bread.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Butter Beans

Complement your Marry Me Butter Beans with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic favorite, garlic bread adds crunch and flavor that pairs well with creamy butter beans.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring extra nutrients and vibrant color to your plate.

3. Couscous Salad
   A light couscous salad with lemon dressing adds freshness and texture alongside the rich beans.

4. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the butter beans while adding crunch.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli offers bright green color and is an excellent source of vitamins.

6. Quinoa Pilaf
   Fluffy quinoa pilaf flavored with herbs makes for a nutritious base that complements buttery flavors well.

7. Stuffed Peppers
   Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and spices can serve as an exciting accompaniment to this dish.

8. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries provide sweetness that balances out the savory butter beans beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Butter Beans, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the shallots: Shallots add depth and sweetness; substituting with regular onions can change the flavor profile. Always include shallots for the best taste.
• Straining the beans: Straining butter beans removes their creamy liquid which is essential for richness. Use the entire contents of the can for a luscious dish.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Sauté it gently until fragrant, avoiding prolonged cooking times.
• Neglecting seasoning: Not tasting before serving can result in bland flavors. Always adjust salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Don’t skip it; add fresh herbs at the end to keep their flavor intact.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Allow to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Marry Me Butter Beans

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for reference.

Reheating Marry Me Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer beans to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour into a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Marry Me Butter Beans?

Marry Me Butter Beans are a creamy and flavorful dish made with butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. They offer a rich taste without any animal products.

Can I customize Marry Me Butter Beans?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or kale, or switch up the herbs based on your preference. Feel free to experiment!

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

All ingredients listed in Marry Me Butter Beans are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any packaged items you use are labeled gluten-free.

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?

These butter beans pair beautifully with toasted bread or a fresh salad. They also make a great side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Are Marry Me Butter Beans vegan-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based and uses vegan butter, making it suitable for vegans and those seeking meat-free meals.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Butter Beans present a hearty yet simple meal option perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Their creamy texture and robust flavors make them versatile enough for various sides or toppings. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients!