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- 2 cups canned butter beans (or dried butter beans, soaked and cooked) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 cup vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. The butter beans are creamy and soft. Olive oil adds a smooth texture, while onions and garlic provide a sweet base. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme bring bright flavors. - 1 pinch red pepper flakes (for spice) If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. This spice gives the dish a nice kick. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Basil adds a fresh touch to your dish. Sprinkle it on top before serving. It not only looks pretty but also adds a burst of flavor. You can also mix in other herbs if you like. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to decide on your beans. You can use canned or dried butter beans. If you choose dried, soak them overnight. This helps them cook faster. Once soaked, cook them until they are soft. If using canned beans, just rinse and drain them. This step is easy and quick. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one small chopped onion to the skillet. Cook the onion for about 5-6 minutes. You want it to turn soft and translucent. Then, add three minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of fresh rosemary, and one teaspoon of fresh thyme. If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for another 1-2 minutes until you enjoy the aroma. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add one can of diced tomatoes, one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and one cup of vegetable broth to your skillet. Stir everything well and let it simmer gently. After that, fold in your butter beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. Once done, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the butter beans warm. Garnish them with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty meal! If you don't have butter beans, use navy beans or cannellini beans. They work well. For olive oil, you can try avocado oil for a different flavor. If fresh herbs are hard to find, use dried herbs. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. For balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar is a good swap. If you want more veggies, add chopped bell peppers or carrots. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This makes each bite pop. For a smoky taste, use smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes. If you want creamier beans, mash some of them while cooking. This gives a nice thick texture. Don't forget to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Always soak dried beans overnight for best results. This helps them cook evenly. If using canned beans, rinse them well. This removes extra sodium and improves taste. When sautéing, cook onions until soft, then add garlic. This way, you build a rich flavor base. Simmer your beans gently to let all the flavors mix. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add vibrant flavor to the dish. If possible, opt for fresh over dried for the best taste. Adjust the Spice Level: The red pepper flakes are optional, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for heat. Let It Simmer: Allowing the dish to simmer for a longer time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Don't rush this step! Perfect Pairing: Serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that's sure to impress. {{image_2}} You can add protein to Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans easily. Some great options are: - Canned tuna: This adds a nice flavor and texture. - Grilled chicken: Cut it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. - Italian sausage: Cook and crumble it before adding to the dish. These proteins make the dish heartier and more filling. For vegetarian or vegan versions, simply skip any meat. Use plant-based proteins instead. Here are some ideas: - Chickpeas: They add protein and a nutty flavor. - Lentils: They cook fast and blend well with the butter beans. - Tofu: Cube it and sauté with the onions for a unique twist. These options keep the dish tasty and satisfying for all diets. Each region has its own spin on butter beans. Here are some fun variations: - Southern-style: Add a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. - Mediterranean twist: Toss in some olives and feta cheese for a briny kick. - Spicy Mexican: Mix in jalapeños and cumin for a zesty flavor. These variations let you explore different tastes while enjoying the base recipe. After enjoying Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, let any leftovers cool. Transfer them to a clean, airtight container. This keeps the beans fresh and tasty. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date. You can freeze the beans for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place them in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. For the microwave, place in a bowl with a cover. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Always check the temperature before serving to make sure they are hot. This keeps the flavors bright and delicious. Butter beans are large, creamy beans. They have a soft texture and a mild flavor. These beans are also known as lima beans. They work well in many dishes, like soups and stews. Their name comes from their buttery taste. Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until soft. This may take a bit longer, but it adds great flavor. If you choose canned beans, rinse and drain them before use. Both options taste good in this recipe. You can serve these beans with crusty bread or over rice. They pair well with a fresh salad, too. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or fish. The beans also shine as a side dish for any main course. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for later use. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing. Reheat it gently to keep the flavors fresh. Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients and how to prepare them step-by-step. You learned about tips for great flavor and texture. We also discussed variations to fit your needs, like adding protein or making it vegan. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Now you are ready to impress with this dish, whether for a meal or a special occasion. Cooking should be fun and delicious, so enjoy every bite!

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans ❤️💍

A delightful dish featuring butter beans with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups canned butter beans (or dried butter beans, soaked and cooked)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • If using dried butter beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender according to package instructions. If using canned, rinse and drain them.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Fold in the butter beans, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before removing from heat.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword butter beans, Italian, vegetarian