Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that brings together creamy textures and bold flavors. This vibrant recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping for meal prep, or simply craving a healthy snack. With the combination of hearty butter beans, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs, this dish truly stands out. Plus, it’s high in both protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for everyone.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of olives, roasted red peppers, and a spicy marinade creates a deliciously bold taste.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side dish, on toast, or as part of a salad; the options are endless!
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, marinated butter beans are a healthy addition to any meal.
Make Ahead Friendly: Marinated butter beans can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to five days.

Tools and Preparation

To make these marinated butter beans efficiently, having the right tools on hand is crucial.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
Saucepan: Use this tool to prepare the marinade quickly on the stovetop.
Whisk: A whisk helps to combine the marinade ingredients smoothly without lumps.

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 Marinade

1/2 cup fresh dill, minced and loosely packed
1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced and loosely packed
1 lemon’s worth of zest
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, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat on medium-high heat while whisking occasionally.
3. Once the marinade starts to froth and bubble gently, remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the warm marinade over your bean mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.

Step 4: Let it Rest

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

Step 5: Serve Enjoy!

Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough or by themselves! Store any leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans make a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. Their creamy texture and zesty flavor can enhance various dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy this delightful dish.

On Toasted Sourdough

Top slices of toasted sourdough with marinated butter beans for a hearty appetizer or snack.

As a Salad Topping

Add marinated butter beans to your favorite salad for an extra protein boost and a burst of flavor.

Stuffed in Pita Bread

Fill pita bread with marinated butter beans, fresh greens, and your favorite dressing for a quick lunch option.

As a Side Dish

Serve marinated butter beans alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.

Mixed into Pasta

Toss marinated butter beans into warm pasta dishes for added texture and Mediterranean flair.

On Charcuterie Boards

Include marinated butter beans on charcuterie boards as a unique component that pairs well with cheeses and crackers.

How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

To ensure your marinated butter beans reach their full potential, here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add vibrant flavors. Consider using organic herbs for the best taste.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade before pouring it over the beans. Adjust salt, lemon juice, or spices to suit your preference.
Let Them Marinade: For optimal flavor, let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows the ingredients to meld perfectly.
Choose Quality Olives: High-quality olives can elevate the overall taste. Look for ones that are briny but not overly salty.
Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch and color.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

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

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complement the flavors of marinated beans beautifully.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition while balancing the creaminess of the beans.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the zesty marinade of the beans.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the dish, adding freshness and crunch.
Hummus Platter: Pair your dish with hummus and pita chips for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the flavors of marinated butter beans well.
Grain Bowl: Create a grain bowl with farro or barley, topped with marinated butter beans, veggies, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with rice, veggies, and cheese alongside marinated butter beans for a filling meal option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinated Butter Beans can be a delightful addition to any meal, but some common mistakes can hinder their flavor and texture. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Ingredients: Using low-quality or expired ingredients can ruin the dish. Always opt for fresh, high-quality olives and herbs for the best taste.
Ignoring Marination Time: Skipping the marination time will result in bland beans. Letting them sit for at least 10 minutes (or ideally 30) allows flavors to develop fully.
Overloading on Spices: Adding too many spices can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts, and taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Not Draining Beans Properly: Failing to rinse and drain the butter beans properly can lead to a watery dish. Make sure to drain them well before mixing with other ingredients.
Skipping Fresh Herbs: Neglecting fresh herbs like dill and parsley will reduce the freshness of flavors. Don’t skip these key components; they add vibrancy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store marinated butter beans in an airtight glass container.
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

Place cooled marinated beans in freezer-safe containers or bags.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about marinated butter beans:

What are Marinated Butter Beans?

Marinated butter beans are creamy beans mixed with flavorful ingredients like olives and herbs, soaked in a zesty marinade.

How long should I marinate my butter beans?

For optimal flavor, let marinated butter beans sit for at least 10 minutes; 30 minutes is even better!

Can I customize my Marinated Butter Beans?

Absolutely! You can add other veggies or spices based on your preference for a unique twist.

Are Marinated Butter Beans healthy?

Yes! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

What dishes pair well with Marinated Butter Beans?

They work well as a side dish, atop toasted bread, or mixed into salads and grain bowls.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for marinated butter beans is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or a main event on its own. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Try it today and enjoy this wonderful blend of flavors!

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Marinated Butter Beans

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marinated Butter Beans are a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines creamy butter beans with zesty flavors, making it an ideal choice for any meal. This delightful recipe features a medley of ingredients, including olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a flavorful marinade of lemon juice and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a healthy snack, marinated butter beans can be served on toasted sourdough, added to salads, or enjoyed straight from the bowl. With their rich taste and satisfying texture, they are sure to elevate your culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (14 oz) 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 lemon's worth of zest
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

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine drained butter beans, sliced red onion, chopped olives, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and salt.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne until frothy. Remove from heat.
Pour the warm marinade over the bean mixture and gently toss to combine.
Allow the marinated mixture to rest for at least 10 minutes (30 minutes recommended) before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean