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marry me butter beans recipe

Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp  olive oil
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 3 cloves  garlic
  • 1/2  cup  sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tsp  dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp  red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup  heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup  vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup  Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 lemon juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft and clear. Stir in the garlic and cook for only 30 seconds until you can smell it.
  2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir everything together for about 1 minute. This allows the tomato oil and spices to blend with the aromatics.
  3. Lower the heat slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Use your spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Once the liquid begins to simmer, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  4. Gently fold the drained butter beans into the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This gives the beans time to get hot all the way through and allows the sauce to thicken up.
  5. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the torn basil leaves. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top right before serving adds a crunch that mimics the experience of a pasta dish.
  • You can also try searing the butter beans in a separate pan with a little butter until they are slightly crispy on the outside before adding them to the sauce.
  • This adds a layer of chewiness that is very satisfying.
  • Another great trick is to use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar instead of regular olive oil to start the recipe; it is packed with concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Finally, always use a block of Parmesan that you grate yourself. The pre-shredded stuff in the green can or plastic bags has anti-clumping agents that prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly silky.