Marry Me Butter Beans

This creamy butter bean dish has earned its "Marry Me" title for good reason. The moment these beans hit the table, their rich, tomatoey sauce and velvety texture create a dish so delicious it might just inspire a proposal. It's comfort food elevated to a special occasion without any fussy techniques.

I first made this for a casual date night at home when I had almost nothing fresh in the fridge. Now it's our celebration meal whenever we have something worth commemorating, from anniversaries to Tuesday nights when we both survived particularly challenging workdays.

Ingredients

• Butter beans: Provide the perfect creamy texture and heartiness. Look for canned Lima or butter beans that appear whole and plump, not broken.
• Tomato paste: Creates an intensely concentrated flavor base. The tube variety lets you use just what you need.
• Red pepper flakes: Add gentle warmth throughout. Adjust based on your heat preference.
• Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into something luxurious. For dairy free, full fat coconut cream works beautifully.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Contribute sweet umami notes. Choose oil packed for the richest flavor.
• Spinach: Wilts down to add nutrition and color contrast without overwhelming the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings salty depth. Splurge on fresh grated if possible.
• Fresh basil and lemon zest: Brighten everything at the end. Don't skip these finishing touches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Aromatics Foundation:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the grated garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for exactly 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The garlic will quickly perfume the oil, creating an aromatic base for everything to follow.

Tomato Base Development:

Add tomato paste directly to the garlic oil mixture and stir continuously for about one minute. You'll notice the paste darkening slightly as it caramelizes, which concentrates its sweetness and unlocks deeper flavor. This brief cooking step transforms the paste from sharp to rich.

Bean Introduction:

Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together for about a minute, allowing the beans to get coated in the tomato mixture. This step helps the beans absorb flavor before adding liquid.

Simmer Phase:

Pour in vegetable broth and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered. During this time, some beans will naturally break down, thickening the sauce. Occasional gentle stirring prevents sticking without mashing too many beans.

Creamy Transformation:

Add heavy cream, dried oregano, and fresh spinach to the simmering beans. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes until the spinach completely wilts and the sauce takes on a silky, unified texture. The cream should be fully incorporated, not separated.

Final Flavor Boost:

Remove from heat completely before stirring in chopped sun dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. The residual heat will soften the tomatoes and melt the cheese without overcooking. This off heat addition preserves the bright flavors of these finishing ingredients.

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The sun dried tomatoes completely transform this dish from good to unforgettable. I discovered their importance by accident when I made this once without them and felt something was missing. Their concentrated sweetness contrasts beautifully with the creamy beans, creating little bursts of flavor in each bite that keep you coming back for more.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious straight from the skillet, this dish reaches its peak potential served atop thick slices of garlic rubbed sourdough bread. The crisp, toasted edges and soft middle absorb the sauce while adding textural contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness.

Make Ahead Options

These beans actually improve with time as flavors meld together. You can prepare them up to three days in advance and gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed. The texture becomes even more luxurious on day two, making this perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize day of cooking.

Variations Worth Trying

The basic method works beautifully with many bean varieties. White cannellini beans create an equally luscious texture but with a slightly different flavor profile. For a Spanish inspired version, substitute the oregano with smoked paprika and add chopped olives instead of sun dried tomatoes. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier protein forward dish without changing the cooking method.

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Serve these delicious beans to someone you love, and watch them ask for this dish on repeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried butter beans, but they'll need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding to the recipe. You'll need about 1 cup of dried beans to yield the 3 cups of cooked beans called for in the recipe.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut cream, cashew cream, or any non-dairy cooking cream. You'll also want to omit the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

→ How long will this dish keep in the refrigerator?

The creamy butter beans will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled; simply add a splash of broth when reheating.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula make excellent substitutes for spinach. Kale and chard will need slightly longer cooking time than spinach, while arugula can be added at the very end just like basil.

→ Why are they called 'Marry Me' butter beans?

The name suggests these beans are so delicious they might inspire a marriage proposal! This naming style follows other famous 'proposal-worthy' dishes like 'Marry Me Chicken' or 'Engagement Pasta' - dishes so good they supposedly led to marriage proposals.