Description
Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and vegetable broth, then enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This simple skillet recipe offers a comforting and satisfying vegetarian option perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, forming the flavor base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add herbs and spices: Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine and release their aromas.
- Add vegetable broth and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Add butter beans: Incorporate the drained and rinsed butter beans into the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the broth and spices.
- Simmer to reduce: Continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes to slightly reduce the broth and allow the flavors to deepen.
- Stir in heavy cream: Lower heat to low and blend in 1/2 cup heavy cream thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and enriches the sauce.
- Season to taste: Taste the dish and add salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the beans just before serving for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the Marry Me Butter Beans hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy texture and rich flavors.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast.
- You can use dried butter beans soaked and cooked in advance instead of canned for a less processed option.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding the cream.
