Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and fresh herbs. This comforting meal is perfect served straight from the pan or on crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked beans)
- 1½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Grated lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Make flavor base: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of grated garlic and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add tomato paste and beans: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Add the drained and rinsed butter beans, season with ½ teaspoon salt and a couple of twists of black pepper, and sauté while stirring for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in 1½ cups vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the beans to soften and release starch, thickening the sauce.
- Add cream, herbs, and spinach: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 cups fresh spinach. Continue to simmer a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and delicious.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat, then fold in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ⅓ cup grated parmesan. Serve immediately from the skillet, either on its own or atop rustic crusty bread rubbed with garlic. Garnish with extra grated parmesan, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and some grated lemon zest for brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy cream alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
- For extra protein, consider adding sautéed chicken or turkey.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to make the dish more or less spicy according to your taste.
- Serving on toasted crusty bread makes a wonderful accompaniment and helps soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/marry-me-butter-beans-recipe-3/
