Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated Butter Beans are a delightful dish that can elevate any meal. This recipe brings together creamy butter beans with vibrant ingredients like pickled red onions, olives, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts. Tossed in a spicy olive and lemon marinade, it’s perfect for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. High in protein and fiber, this dish is not only tasty but also nourishing.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Marinade
• How to Make Marinated Butter Beans
• Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
• Step 2: Make the Marinade
• Step 3: Combine
• Step 4: Let It Rest
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans
• On Toasted Sourdough
• As a Salad Topping
• In Wraps or Pitas
• As Part of a Mezze Platter
• Cold as a Snack
• How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans
• Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Marinated Butter Beans
• Reheating Marinated Butter Beans
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are marinated butter beans?
• Can I customize my marinated butter beans?
• How long do marinated butter beans last?
• Are marinated butter beans healthy?
• Can I serve these as a main dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of olives, pickled red onions, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted sourdough bread or as a stand-alone salad; the possibilities are endless.
• Healthy Choice: Rich in protein and fiber, marinated butter beans offer a nutritious option for anyone looking to eat healthier.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish ahead of time and let the flavors develop; it keeps well in the fridge for up to five days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large serving bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large serving bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients together without making a mess.
• Saucepan: Needed for heating the marinade evenly to enhance its flavors.
• Whisk: Helps to combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

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 Salad

• 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
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, minced and loosely packed
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced and loosely packed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed

For the Marinade

• 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 Salad 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. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place on medium-high heat while whisking occasionally.
3. Once the marinade starts to froth and bubble, take it off the heat.

Step 3: Combine

Pour the marinade over the salad mixture in the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Allow the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving; letting them rest for around 30 minutes is ideal for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Enjoy your marinated butter beans on toasted sourdough bread or on their own as a hearty salad. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to five days.

This delicious recipe will certainly become a favorite!

How to Serve Marinated Butter Beans

Marinated butter beans are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a flavorful side, these beans can elevate any dining experience.

On Toasted Sourdough

• This classic combination is a delightful way to enjoy marinated butter beans. The crispy edges of the sourdough contrast beautifully with the creamy texture of the beans.

As a Salad Topping

• Add marinated butter beans to your favorite salad for an extra protein boost. They pair well with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.

In Wraps or Pitas

• Stuff marinated butter beans into whole grain wraps or pitas along with fresh veggies for a nutritious and filling lunch option.

As Part of a Mezze Platter

• Include marinated butter beans in a mezze platter alongside hummus, olives, and pita bread. This makes for an inviting appetizer spread.

Cold as a Snack

• Enjoy them straight from the fridge as a refreshing snack. Their zesty flavor profile makes them addictive!

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How to Perfect Marinated Butter Beans

To ensure your marinated butter beans reach their full potential, consider these easy tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Choose high-quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil will elevate the dish with its rich flavor.
• Let them marinate longer: While 10 minutes is sufficient, allowing the beans to sit for 30 minutes or more enhances the flavors significantly.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh basil or mint along with dill and parsley for unique flavor combinations.
• Adjust spices to taste: If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for additional kick.

Best Side Dishes for Marinated Butter Beans

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

1. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers adds freshness and crunch.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables bring out smoky flavors that pair wonderfully with marinated beans.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer hearty satisfaction alongside lighter dishes.
4. Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for a comforting addition that balances the zestiness of the beans.
5. Tabbouleh: This traditional Middle Eastern bulgur salad infused with parsley complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds creaminess and crunch, making it an excellent counterpoint to the marinated butter beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making marinated butter beans, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the soaking step: While canned butter beans are convenient, soaking dried beans overnight enhances flavor and texture. If you decide to use dried beans, soak them before cooking.
• Not seasoning properly: Marinated butter beans need adequate seasoning. Always taste your marinade and adjust salt and spices before combining with the beans.
• Using old ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality olive oil make a huge difference in flavor. Ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best outcome.
• Ignoring resting time: For optimal flavor, allow the marinated butter beans to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Ideally, let them rest for 30 minutes.
• Overcomplicating flavors: Keep it simple! The beauty of marinated butter beans lies in their freshness. Avoid adding too many additional flavors that could overwhelm the dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store marinated butter beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be kept fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Marinated Butter Beans

• While freezing is possible, it may alter texture.
• Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Marinated Butter Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about marinated butter beans, here are some common questions answered.

What are marinated butter beans?

Marinated butter beans are creamy beans soaked in a zesty olive oil and lemon marinade, often with fresh herbs and vegetables for added flavor.

Can I customize my marinated butter beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or spices that you enjoy. This dish is versatile and can accommodate various tastes.

How long do marinated butter beans last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last up to 5 days.

Are marinated butter beans healthy?

Yes! Marinated butter beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal or snack.

Can I serve these as a main dish?

Definitely! While they make an excellent side or appetizer, they can also serve as a satisfying main dish on toasted bread or salad greens.

Final Thoughts

Marinated butter beans offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please anyone at the table. Their versatility allows for customization according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and enjoy this nutritious dish!