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- 2 cups canned butter beans (or dried butter beans, soaked and cooked) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth - 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish When making Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, I always choose high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme really boost the taste. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth. Use low-sodium vegetable broth to keep the dish light and healthy. Choose canned butter beans that are smooth and creamy. If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight. Cooking them right makes a big difference. Always select ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If you're avoiding certain ingredients, you can still enjoy this dish. For a vegan option, the recipe is already plant-based. You can swap butter beans for chickpeas or cannellini beans if you like. If you're gluten-free, check that your vegetable broth is gluten-free as well. To add protein, toss in some cooked chicken or sausage. You can also omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, start with the beans. You can use dried or canned butter beans. If you choose dried beans, soak them overnight in water. This helps soften them. The next day, cook them until tender. If you prefer canned beans, simply rinse and drain them to remove extra sodium. This keeps the beans flavorful. Next, we sauté the aromatics. Grab a large skillet and heat three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add one small finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and translucent. Stir often to avoid burning. Then, add three minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon fresh rosemary, and one teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for 1-2 more minutes. You’ll notice an amazing aroma filling your kitchen! Now, it’s time to add the tomatoes and broth. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and one cup of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir everything well. Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step adds depth to the dish. Carefully fold in the prepared butter beans. Make sure they spread out evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Afterward, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are now ready to enjoy! To make your Tuscan marry me butter beans even better, use fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary and thyme add depth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overpowering the dish. If you use dried butter beans, soak them overnight. This makes them soft. Cook them until tender for the best texture. If using canned beans, rinse them well. This helps remove extra sodium. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. For a beautiful presentation, serve in rustic bowls. Drizzle some olive oil on top. This adds shine and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to bring color. Serve warm to keep the dish inviting. You can also pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the dish's flavor profile immensely, so always opt for fresh over dried when possible. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Opt for Quality Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only improves the taste but also adds a beautiful finish to the dish. Let it Sit: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors develop even further, making each bite even more delicious. {{image_4}} You can make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans even heartier by adding proteins. Chicken or sausage pairs well with the beans. Simply slice cooked chicken or sausage into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the dish during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds richness and makes it more filling. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, skip the meat and amp up the flavor. You can add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini. They will add texture and taste. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste without dairy. Using seasonal ingredients can change the flavor of your dish. In spring, try adding fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, diced zucchini or fresh corn can bring brightness. In fall, use roasted squash or sweet potatoes for a cozy touch. Finally, in winter, root vegetables like carrots and parsnips work great. These swaps keep your dish fresh and exciting! To keep your Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the container in your fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you have a lot left over, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal later. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help keep them moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover the bowl with a lid or a damp paper towel to trap steam. To freeze your butter beans, let them cool completely first. Then, scoop them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans ahead of time. I often prepare them a day in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat them on the stove. They taste great even after a day. Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans pair well with many dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Crusty bread to soak up the sauce - A fresh green salad for crunch - Grilled chicken or fish for protein - Quinoa or rice for a hearty meal These options will balance the beans' rich flavors and add variety to your plate. Yes, butter beans and lima beans are the same. They both come from the same plant. The name "butter beans" often refers to the larger, creamier variety. Lima beans can be smaller and have a slightly different taste. Both beans offer a creamy texture and work well in dishes like this one. This blog post shared how to make delicious Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans. We explored key ingredients and their quality, along with swaps for dietary needs. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for enhancing flavors. We also discussed variations for adding proteins and seasonal swaps. Lastly, we covered storage tips and answered common questions. In conclusion, cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy creating your dish and share it with others!

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans ❤️💍

A delightful Tuscan-inspired dish featuring butter beans cooked with aromatic herbs and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups canned butter beans (or dried butter beans, soaked and cooked)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to garnish Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Butter Beans: If using dried butter beans, soak them overnight in a large bowl of water, then cook according to package instructions until tender. If using canned butter beans, simply rinse and drain them under cold water to remove excess sodium and preserve flavor.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
  • Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, balsamic vinegar, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Mix in the Butter Beans: Carefully fold in the prepared butter beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Final Taste Check: After simmering, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve the butter bean mixture warm in bowls or on plates, garnished with torn or whole fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For a stunning display, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and a few extra basil leaves over the dish just before serving. Consider plating it in rustic bowls to enhance the Tuscan appeal!
Keyword butter beans, Tuscan, vegetarian