Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender butter beans in a luscious tomato and herb sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a hearty side, this vegan recipe is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with toasted bread for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Hearty: The combination of coconut cream and butter bean liquid creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Works as a main course, side dish, or spread for bread.
- Plant-Based: Packed with protein and completely dairy-free.
- Flavorful: Features sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a blend of aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (marinated in oil), chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 15 ounces canned butter beans (including liquid from the can)
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Finely dice the shallots, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Melt vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once sizzling, add the shallots and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes.
- Sauté for another minute, stirring to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add Butter Beans
- Pour in the canned butter beans along with their liquid.
- Stir in the coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with toasted bread for dipping, or enjoy as a standalone dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Increase the chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add chopped spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.
- Herbal Swap: Use fresh parsley or cilantro instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy Boost: Add a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk for a silkier sauce.
- Protein Power: Mix in chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein punch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the beans and sauce may change.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried butter beans?
Yes, cook dried butter beans until tender before using in the recipe. Reserve some cooking liquid to replace the canned liquid.
2. Can I make this oil-free?
Use a splash of vegetable broth to sauté the shallots and garlic instead of vegan butter.
3. Is there a substitute for coconut cream?
Use cashew cream, vegan sour cream, or unsweetened plant-based milk for a lighter option.
4. What’s the best bread to pair with this dish?
Crusty sourdough or toasted baguette slices work beautifully for scooping up the sauce.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot for cooking.
6. What can I serve alongside this dish?
Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice for a complete meal.
7. Can I use other beans?
Yes, cannellini beans or navy beans make great substitutes.
8. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
9. Can I skip the nutritional yeast?
Yes, but it adds a subtle cheesy flavor. Substitute with a pinch of miso paste if desired.
10. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, reheat on the stovetop before serving and stir in fresh basil just before plating.
Conclusion
Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, savory delight that’s as versatile as it is flavorful. With tender butter beans in a rich tomato and herb sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy nights or a simple yet elegant dinner. Serve with toasted bread and enjoy every indulgent bite!
PrintMarry Me Butter Beans
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
Fall in love with these Marry Me Butter Beans! A creamy vegan dish with butter beans simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce, perfect for pairing with toasted bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 large shallot, peeled and finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, marinated in oil and chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 15 ounces canned butter beans (1 can, with liquid)
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Dice the shallots, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Sauté for another 1 minute to combine flavors.
4. Add Butter Beans and Sauce Ingredients
- Add the entire can of butter beans, including the liquid, to the pot.
- Stir in the coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.
5. Simmer and Thicken
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add Fresh Basil and Season
- Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the butter beans warm with toasted bread on the side.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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