Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans is a delightful dish that combines the richness of butter beans with a creamy sauce that is packed with flavors. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs makes this dish both aromatic and delicious. With the creamy texture and savory taste, it will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s explore this wonderful recipe in more detail.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans is special for many reasons. First, it is easy to prepare and doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Second, it is naturally creamy and satisfying without the need for heavy cream. The butter beans offer a nice, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the plant-based ingredients.
Moreover, the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add bright, vibrant tastes, making each bite a joy. This dish is not only filling but is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for dinner. Plus, it’s vegan, which means it can fit into a variety of diets.
If you enjoy flavorful comfort food that can be made in under 30 minutes, this recipe is for you!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans
Making Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans is straightforward and fun. Below, we break down the process into manageable steps so that you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
Equipment Needed
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following equipment:
- Large pot or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Garlic press (optional)
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish or bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 large shallot, peeled and finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup oil-marinated sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces canned butter beans with liquid (do not drain)
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Start by finely dicing the shallots, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, and mincing the garlic. You can use a garlic press for the garlic if you have one.
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In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
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Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes into the pot. Sauté this mixture for another minute to allow the flavors to blend together.
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Now, add the canned butter beans along with their liquid, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up slightly.
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Finally, stir in the fresh basil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the creamy butter beans hot, ideally with some toasted bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
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How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans
Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans can be served in various ways, making it a versatile dish. The most common way is to serve it hot in a bowl with some toasted bread on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce or scooping up the beans.
For a complete meal, pair the butter beans with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier option. The creamy sauce adds a lovely touch to any grain or side dish.
Storage & Freezing: Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans
If you have leftovers, storing Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans is easy. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to freeze the butter beans for later use, this works well, too. Store them in a freezer-safe container and they will last for 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the creamy butter beans as a hearty appetizer with toasted baguette slices.
- Use it as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a green salad.
- Pair it with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top for an extra cheesy flavor (if desired).
Variations
You can customize Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans in various ways to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
- Spicy Version: Add more chili flakes or some chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat.
- Herb Variation: Incorporate different fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro in place of basil.
- Cheesy Creaminess: Mix in some vegan cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Vegetable Boost: Add in some spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
FAQs
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Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand. Canned beans are more convenient and quicker to prepare. -
What can I substitute for coconut cream?
You can replace coconut cream with cashew cream or any plant-based cream of your choice. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the nutritional yeast you use is labeled gluten-free. -
How can I make this dish more protein-rich?
You can add cooked lentils or chickpeas to enhance the protein content of the dish.
Make-Ahead Tips for Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans
To save time during busy days, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Chop the shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes one day earlier. Store them together in the fridge.
You can also open and rinse your canned butter beans a day before cooking. This allows you to throw everything together quickly when you’re ready to make the dish.
This quick and easy recipe for Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans is sure to become a favorite in your home. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Finely dice the shallots, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes, sauté for another minute.
- Stir in the canned butter beans with their liquid, coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice, bring to a simmer.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the fresh basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, ideally with toasted bread.