Introduction to Marry Me Butter Beans
Marry Me Butter Beans are a delightful twist on traditional comfort food, and they’re bound to win over your taste buds! The combination of creamy butter beans and a rich, savory sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Have you ever felt that soothing warmth from a bowl of creamy soup? Well, that’s exactly the feeling you'll get with this dish. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it also comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Why Marry Me Butter Beans are the Ultimate Comfort Food?
The magic lies in the Marry Me sauce, which adds layers of flavor through garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. These delicious ingredients seamlessly blend together, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, you're not just limited to butter beans! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins—kale or crispy tofu work beautifully in this recipe.
Trying versatile dishes like these can rekindle those moments spent enjoying meals with friends or family. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our community on TikTok and Instagram for fun variations and tips! If you’re ready to dive into this comforting dish, let’s explore the full recipe ahead.
Ingredients for Marry Me Butter Beans
Creating Marry Me Butter Beans starts with the right ingredients that make this dish irresistibly creamy and flavorful. Let’s break it down into essential components:
Essential Ingredients for the Creamy Sauce
To craft that delicious, velvety sauce, you'll need:
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons will give your base a rich flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for that aromatic touch.
- Spices: Just a pinch of salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, roughly chopped, adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cream.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: 1 cup for creaminess; this is the heart of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan: ½ cup for that cheesy goodness.
Key Components of the Butter Beans
The butter beans themselves are the stars of the dish. For perfect texture and taste, use:
- Canned Butter Beans: Two 15-ounce cans, drained, transform easily into a delightful meal.
- Vegetable Broth: ½ to 1 cup, which can be adjusted depending on desired sauce thickness.
- Fresh Spinach: A vibrant cup to add color and nutrients.
- Chopped Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons for a hint of freshness at the end.
These ingredients come together for a comforting dish that’s sure to delight! If you're interested in learning how to make your own vegetable broth, check out this guide for a quick recipe.
Step-by-step preparation for Marry Me Butter Beans
Gather and prepare your ingredients
Before diving into the delightful world of Marry Me Butter Beans, it’s super important to have everything ready. Head to your kitchen and gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon each of salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth (this will affect your sauce consistency)
- 2 cans of butter beans (15-oz each), drained
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half works too)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Once gathered, take a moment to prep your ingredients; some chopping here and there will help to streamline the cooking process later. And don’t forget your utensils and a large sauté pan!
Create the flavor base
Now, let's set the stage for an irresistible dish! Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in your sauté pan over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Cook this lovely mixture for about two minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This is where the magic begins: the aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making everyone wonder what delicious creation you're whipping up!
Add the butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes
With the flavor base ready, it’s time to stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and your drained butter beans. If you’re wondering about substitutes, you could easily swap in some canned chickpeas for added protein. Pour in the vegetable broth—remember, if you're serving it with pasta, use a full cup for a looser sauce. Cook everything on medium heat, uncovered, for about five minutes, allowing those flavors to meld perfectly.
Incorporate the cream and spinach
Next up, remove your pan from the heat. This is when we’ll add in the chopped fresh spinach, which will wilt beautifully. Following that, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated parmesan. It’s a decadent addition that elevates the entire dish! Give everything a good stir, mixing until the cheese has melted and combined with the Marry Me Butter Beans mixture.
Finalize the dish with fresh basil
Lastly, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top. This will not only add color but also pack a delightful fresh flavor punch. Your Marry Me Butter Beans are now ready to serve! Whether you pair them with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or even pasta, prepare for a dish that may just have everyone declaring their love at first bite.
And there you have it—simple, yet utterly satisfying. Enjoy your meal and the romance it brings!
Variations on Marry Me Butter Beans
Adding Different Greens Like Kale
If you're looking to mix things up with your Marry Me Butter Beans, consider swapping spinach for hearty kale. Kale adds a lovely texture and a nutritional boost, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in at the same stage you would the spinach. It’ll wilt down beautifully while retaining its vibrant color!
Including Crispy Tofu for Extra Protein
For those packing in extra protein, adding crispy tofu is a fantastic option. Cube some firm tofu, toss it in cornstarch, and sauté until golden brown. Stir these crunchy bites into your Marry Me Butter Beans just before serving for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It’s a delightful twist that keeps things exciting while ensuring you stay full longer.
Explore more variations and ideas to elevate your dish by visiting sites like Gathering Dreams for inspiration!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Marry Me Butter Beans
Tips for Achieving the Creamiest Sauce
To get that lusciously creamy sauce everyone will rave about, start by using high-quality heavy cream. A little trick is to stir in the cream slowly while the pot is off the heat; this prevents curdling. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half works beautifully too. Depending on whether you serve the Marry Me Butter Beans with pasta or just on their own, adjust your vegetable broth as indicated in the recipe to control thickness.
Suggestions for Adjusting Spice Levels
If you're sensitive to heat or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you’re a spice lover, consider adding more! A dash of smoked paprika or even a splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile. Don't hesitate to make it your own—after all, cooking should reflect your taste and personality! For more inspiration, check out this guide on spices and discover how they enhance your dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Butter Beans
Best Pairings: Bread, Rice, or Pasta?
When it comes to serving marry me butter beans, the choice is yours! For a comforting experience, crusty bread is a must—ideal for scooping up that creamy goodness. If you’re craving something more filling, serve the butter beans over fluffy rice or twirl them with your favorite pasta. Using vegetable broth to adjust sauce thickness can make your dish even more delightful.
Toppings and Additional Garnishes
To elevate your marry me butter beans, consider sprinkling some grated parmesan on top or adding a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the dish’s richness, while fresh basil adds a burst of freshness. For an extra kick, you could try mixing in some sautéed turkey bacon or a handful of crispy chickpeas for added texture. Don't forget to check out this article on fresh herbs for more interesting flavor combinations!
Time Breakdown for Marry Me Butter Beans
Preparation Time
Preparing your ingredients for these Marry Me Butter Beans only takes about 5 minutes. That includes mincing the garlic and chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Cooking Time
Once you're all set, the cooking process is a breeze! It will take approximately 10 minutes to whip everything together, resulting in a rich and creamy dish that’s sure to impress.
Total Time
In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a delicious meal that satisfies. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something special without spending hours in the kitchen!
For more quick meal ideas, check out these vegetarian recipes that fit perfectly into your busy schedule!
Nutritional Facts for Marry Me Butter Beans
If you're curious about the nutritional benefits of Marry Me Butter Beans, let's break it down:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 441 calories, making it a filling yet wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.
Protein
You'll get a solid 16.8 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the heartiness of the butter beans. This makes it a great option for those looking to boost their plant-based protein intake.
Sodium
On the sodium front, this dish has about 952 mg per serving. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider adjusting the salt and broth used during cooking.
These rich nutritional values make Marry Me Butter Beans not just delicious, but also a satisfying meal choice! For more information on nutrition, you might find resources like Healthline quite helpful.
Explore More about Marry Me Butter Beans
As you whip up this delightful dish, keep in mind that the creamy consistency paired with the nutritional powerhouse of butter beans makes it an appetizing choice for various diets including gluten-free and vegetarian. Plus, feel free to experiment by adding your favorite greens or proteins to customize it to your liking!
Remember, enjoying a meal doesn't have to compromise on health. For other nutritious recipes, check out EatThisMuch for meal-planning inspiration that fits your lifestyle while keeping taste at the forefront.
FAQs about Marry Me Butter Beans
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make Marry Me Butter Beans vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, cashew cream, or a vegan sour cream. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a non-dairy version to keep that creamy texture without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want to lighten the dish without losing creaminess, half-and-half is a great alternative. For a dairy-free option, again, consider using coconut milk or almond milk blended with a bit of cornstarch or silken tofu to mimic the thickness of heavy cream. These substitutes create a delicious, velvety sauce for your Marry Me Butter Beans.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Place your Marry Me Butter Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a splash of broth if it thickens too much!
Conclusion on Marry Me Butter Beans
In summary, Marry Me Butter Beans is not only a quick and delightful dish, but it also offers endless variations to cater to your taste. Whether you're in the mood for something with leafy greens or enjoy adding crispy tofu, this recipe is adaptable, comforting, and sure to become a favorite! Try it today!
Marry Me Butter Beans
Equipment
- large saute pan or pot
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes roughly chopped
- 0.5 to 1 cup vegetable broth 120 to 236 mL
- 2 15-oz cans butter beans aka lima beans, drained
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream can sub half-and-half, 236 mL
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan 50 g
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Heat 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon each salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a large saute pan or pot over medium heat. Cook for about 2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth, and 2 15-oz cans butter beans. Continue cooking on medium, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh spinach until wilted, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated parmesan, and 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil. Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or with pasta.
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