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Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it can be enjoyed on its own or served over crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Flavor Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked butter beans)
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste (about 2 twists)

Additions

  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
  • Grated lemon zest, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make flavor base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated 2 cloves of garlic and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
  2. Add tomato paste and beans: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the drained and rinsed butter beans, season with ½ teaspoon salt and 2 twists of black pepper, and sauté while stirring for 1 minute to combine all flavors.
  3. Add broth and simmer: Pour in 1½ cups of vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the beans to become tender and the sauce to thicken as the beans release their starch.
  4. Add cream, oregano, and spinach: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy.
  5. Finish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan: Turn off the heat and fold in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently to incorporate the cheese as it melts slightly into the creamy sauce.
  6. Serve and garnish: Serve the butter beans hot directly from the skillet or spoon over a slice of rustic crusty bread rubbed with garlic. Garnish with additional grated parmesan, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of grated lemon zest for a bright finish.

Notes

  • For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with non-dairy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
  • You can use fresh cooked butter beans instead of canned for a fresher taste.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over cooked rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter beans, creamy beans, vegetarian dinner, one-pan meal, Italian butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/marry-me-butter-beans-recipe/