Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
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
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
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, stirring continuously for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting the flavor balance.
- 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