Marry Me Butter Beans

$- 2 cups butter beans, soaked overnight and drained - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to create a cozy dish. Butter beans are the star here. They are creamy and filling. Soaking them overnight makes them soft. This helps them cook faster and taste better. Chop the onion finely. This adds a sweet flavor as it cooks. Minced garlic will give your dish a nice aroma. Diced tomatoes add moisture and tanginess. Tomato paste enhances the sauce's richness. Spices are key to bringing flavor. Smoked paprika adds a warm depth. Ground cumin gives an earthy taste. Dried oregano brings a hint of freshness. Cayenne pepper is optional for those who love heat. Vegetable broth adds warmth to your dish. Olive oil is perfect for sautéing. Finally, salt and pepper balance all the flavors. Fresh parsley is great for a pop of color. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that warms the heart. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing the Onion and Garlic: Start with a large pot. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes soft and clear, about five minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until it smells great. - Combining Ingredients: Now, add in the diced tomatoes, including their juice. Mix in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to blend the flavors. - Boiling and Simmering: Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, add the soaked butter beans. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to one hour, or until the beans are soft. Stir now and then. If it looks dry, add more broth or water. - Time Management for Cooking Butter Beans: The total cooking time is about one hour and ten minutes. You spend about ten minutes prepping and the rest cooking. This timing helps the beans absorb all the flavors. - Tips for Simmering: Keep the heat low when simmering. This gentle cooking helps the beans become tender. Stir occasionally to stop them from sticking to the pot. - Adjusting Seasoning: After the beans are soft, taste the dish. You might want to add more salt or pepper. Adjust to your liking. - Garnishing with Parsley: Serve the butter beans hot. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. Enjoy your meal! - Avoiding Overcooking the Beans: Soak your butter beans overnight. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them gently. Check them after 45 minutes. They should be soft but firm. If they are mushy, you have overcooked them. - Ensuring Proper Flavor Balance: Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The onion and garlic add depth. The spices like smoked paprika and cumin give warmth. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors. - Ideal Pairings with Butter Beans: Marry Me Butter Beans go well with crusty bread. The bread helps soak up the sauce. A side salad adds freshness and crunch. Try a simple green salad with lemon dressing. - Recommended Side Dishes: Serve with rice for a filling meal. Roasted vegetables also complement the beans. Grilled corn on the cob adds a sweet touch. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. - Adding Protein for a Hearty Meal: For extra protein, add cooked sausage or chicken. You can also stir in canned chickpeas. These options make the dish more filling without losing flavor. - Spicy Alterations with Additional Peppers: Want some heat? Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You can also use a splash of hot sauce. This makes the dish spicy and exciting. Adjust to your taste preference. These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying meal every time! Pro Tips Soaking Beans: For best results, soak the butter beans overnight to help them cook evenly and reduce cooking time. Flavor Boost: Add a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while simmering for an extra layer of flavor. Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with a fork before serving. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation. {{image_2}} Best Practices for Refrigeration After enjoying Marry Me Butter Beans, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the beans cool down first. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for three to five days. Always check for any strange smells or colors before eating. How to Freeze Butter Beans For longer storage, you can freeze the butter beans. First, let them cool completely. Then, scoop them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. These beans can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Tips for Microwaving To reheat in the microwave, place a serving in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat on high for about two to three minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If they seem dry, add a splash of vegetable broth. Stovetop Reheating Strategies For stovetop reheating, pour the butter beans into a pot. Add a little water or broth to keep them moist. Heat on low, stirring often, until they are hot. This method helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Enjoy your comforting dish just like the first time! Breakdown per Serving One serving of Marry Me Butter Beans has about 300 calories. This makes it a filling choice for lunch or dinner. Each serving provides a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Health Benefits of Butter Beans Butter beans are rich in nutrients. They are high in fiber, which helps digestion. They also provide protein, aiding muscle growth. Plus, they contain important vitamins like B vitamins. These vitamins help with energy and metabolism. Eating butter beans supports heart health due to their low fat content. Vegetarian and Vegan Friendliness This dish is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. It contains no meat or animal products. You can enjoy it without worry. It fits well into a plant-based diet. Gluten-Free Options Marry Me Butter Beans is naturally gluten-free. None of the ingredients contain gluten. You can serve it to those with gluten sensitivities. This makes it a great option for everyone at your table. What are butter beans? Butter beans are large, creamy beans. They have a rich, buttery taste. These beans are often used in soups and stews. They are high in fiber and protein, making them great for a healthy diet. Can I use canned butter beans instead? Yes, you can use canned butter beans. They save time and are ready to eat. Just rinse and drain them before using. Reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked. How long do butter beans take to cook? Dried butter beans take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook. Soaking them overnight helps speed up the cooking. If you use canned beans, they only need to be heated through. What can I substitute for vegetable broth? You can use chicken broth or water instead of vegetable broth. Both will work well. For more flavor, add herbs or spices to your liquid. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method allows the flavors to blend nicely. How do I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, add more or less cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh peppers for more heat. For a milder dish, skip the cayenne altogether. This post covered key aspects of cooking with butter beans. We explored the ingredients and provided simple steps for preparation. You learned tips for cooking and serving, along with storage advice. The nutritional value highlights the health benefits of butter beans. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy the process and your delicious meals!$

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring butter beans cooked in a savory tomato and spice broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups butter beans, soaked overnight and drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the soaked butter beans, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Once the butter beans are cooked to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve the butter beans in a rustic bowl, drizzled with a bit more olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. Enjoy with crusty bread for a hearty meal!

Keyword butter beans, comfort food, hearty, vegetarian