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Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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