Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Introduction

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender beans with aromatic herbs and spices. This rustic recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups butter beans, cooked and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup beef broth (or preferred low-sodium broth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: 4 strips turkey bacon or chicken strips, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Dice the onion into small, even cubes and add to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the butter beans and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: If using, add the turkey bacon or chicken strips and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Step 7: Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey bacon or chicken and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use fresh herbs in place of dried for a brighter flavor when available.
• Serve over crusty bread or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover butter beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the beans moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned butter beans instead of cooked dried beans?

Yes, canned butter beans can be used to save time. Rinse and drain them thoroughly before adding to the skillet.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bit of seasoning as a substitute for beef broth depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

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4.9 from 107 reviews

This Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans simmered with aromatic herbs, smoked paprika, and a touch of fresh lemon juice. Enhanced optionally with turkey bacon or chicken strips, this skillet-cooked meal delivers comforting warmth and rustic Italian-inspired flavors, perfect as a side or light main.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tuscan
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups butter beans, cooked and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup beef broth (or preferred low-sodium broth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Protein

• 4 strips turkey bacon or chicken strips, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
2. Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Season: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, stirring continuously for 1 minute to release their flavors.
5. Add beans and broth: Pour in the cooked butter beans and beef broth, then simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
6. Include protein: If using, add the chopped turkey bacon or chicken strips to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and integrated.
7. Finish with lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting the flavor balance.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve the butter beans warm. Enjoy a comforting Tuscan-inspired meal!

Notes

• Use a low-sodium broth to control the salt content and enhance overall flavor balance.
• This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the turkey bacon or chicken strips.
• Butter beans can be substituted with cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Tuscan butter beans, butter beans recipe, Italian beans dish, skillet butter beans, healthy bean recipe, easy savory beans