Irresistible “Marry Me Butter Beans” Recipe That Seals The Deal

Let me whisk you into a magical world of marry me butter beans, where comfort meets culinary romance.

Creamy legumes dance with aromatic spices in this irresistible dish that promises to capture hearts.

Tender beans melt into a rich, velvety embrace that feels like a warm hug.

Rustic ingredients combine with unexpected seasonings to create something truly extraordinary.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe that sparks instant connection.

Every forkful tells a story of passion and deliciousness.

Prepare to fall head over heels with this enchanting meal that might just win someone’s heart.

What Makes Marry Me Butter Beans So Special

• Savor Quick Comfort: This recipe transforms simple butter beans into a creamy, flavor-packed dish that comes together faster than traditional bean preparations, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow home cooks to adjust spice levels and swap broth types, creating a personalized meal that suits individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate Humble Ingredients: Transforming basic butter beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal effort, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can become extraordinary when prepared thoughtfully.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with rich, comforting flavors and a luxurious creamy texture, these butter beans appeal to both adults and picky eaters, making them an ideal choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Everything Needed for Marry Me Butter Beans

• Butter Beans: Large, creamy legumes that form the hearty base of this delicious dish.
• Olive Oil: A rich, flavorful oil that helps to sauté the garlic and coat the beans.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and moisture to enhance the overall flavor of the beans.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that brings all the ingredients together.

• Garlic, Dried Thyme, Smoked Paprika: Provide a complex and aromatic flavor profile to the butter beans.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle kick of heat for those who enjoy a spicy touch.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a clean, herbal note to the finished dish.

Steps for Cooking Butter Beans With Flavor

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Get a large skillet and pour in olive oil. Bring the heat to a medium setting and let the oil start to shimmer and dance.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and let it cook until it becomes wonderfully aromatic, releasing its magical fragrance throughout the kitchen. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce the Butter Beans

Gently slide the butter beans into the skillet. Use a spatula to lovingly coat each bean with the garlic-infused oil.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Flavor Boosters

• Dried thyme
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together so each bean gets a perfect coat of seasoning.

Step 5: Create a Flavorful Bath

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.

Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to get to know each other.

Step 6: Bring in the Creamy Magic

Pour in heavy cream and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick coating that hugs each butter bean.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love.

Tips for Creamy and Savory Butter Beans

• Toast dried thyme and smoked paprika in the skillet before adding beans to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, adding gradually to balance flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and allow natural bean and seasoning flavors to shine.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a plant-based version.

Fun Swaps for Butter Bean Lovers

• Vegan Creamy Beans: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Beans: Swap thyme for oregano, add sun-dried tomatoes, use extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
• Spicy Southwest Beans: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder, add diced green chilies, use lime juice, and garnish with fresh cilantro instead of parsley.
• Protein-Packed Beans: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon, incorporate diced bell peppers, and serve over quinoa for added nutrition.

Pairings to Try With Marry Me Butter Beans

• Chardonnay's buttery notes perfectly complement the rich, creamy texture of the butter beans, creating a luxurious taste experience that dances on your palate.
• Grilled Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers add a smoky, charred element that enhances the beans' robust flavor profile and provides a delightful contrast.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the creamy sauce, transforming each bite into a delectable journey of textures and flavors.

Storing Butter Beans for Next Meal

• Transfer cooled butter beans to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Place completely cooled beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months. Flat storage helps save space.
• Pour beans into a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What are butter beans?

Butter beans are large, creamy white beans also known as lima beans, with a smooth, buttery texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor.

• Can I use canned butter beans for this recipe?

Yes, canned butter beans work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet to remove excess sodium.

• Is this dish considered vegetarian?

It depends. If you use vegetable broth, the dish is vegetarian. If using chicken broth, it becomes non-vegetarian.

• What can I do if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture.

Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me butter beans deliver a comforting Southern-style embrace of hearty flavors and rich textures. Generous seasonings and slow-simmered goodness promise a culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.
2. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
3. Gently introduce butter beans to the skillet, ensuring each bean gets coated with the fragrant oil.
4. Generously sprinkle dried thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper across the beans, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings.
5. Stream chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to bubble and simmer for 5 minutes, which helps the flavors harmonize and penetrate the beans.
6. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously, and let the mixture reduce and thicken for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
7. Turn off heat and delicately garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant green contrast against the creamy beans.
8. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and the sauce is at its most luscious.

Notes

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake and customize flavor intensity.
• For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a creamy texture.
• Toast dried herbs like thyme before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile.
• Choose dried butter beans for more authentic texture, soaking overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg