Description
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, rich, and flavorful dish that blends tender butter beans with a garlicky tomato cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Inspired by the rustic charm of Tuscany, this hearty and versatile dish is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing your loved ones. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or even rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked butter beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Tomato Base:
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer the Butter Beans:
- Add the butter beans and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, letting the beans soak up the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright and fresh touch.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and good-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Thickness Adjustment: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet/Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired