Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans

Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans are a creamy, savory, and flavorful dish that will make you fall in love with every bite. This vegetarian dish is loaded with Tuscan-inspired ingredients like sundried tomatoes, garlic, and kale, all enveloped in a rich creamy sauce that you won’t be able to resist. The dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a main, yet light enough to serve as a side dish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, these butter beans will have you saying “I do” to delicious food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only packed with Tuscan flavors but is also incredibly versatile. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Creamy and Rich: The combination of butter beans, heavy cream, and parmesan creates a silky sauce that pairs perfectly with the beans.

• Packed with Flavor: Tuscan Marry Me blend and sundried tomatoes bring a depth of flavor to this dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

• Vegetarian & Dairy-Free Option: You can enjoy this dish regardless of dietary preferences. Make it vegan by swapping out a few ingredients, and you’ve got a plant-based delight.

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal when you’re short on time.

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed (You can use dry butter beans and soak them; see notes for details and other white bean options)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup organic sundried tomatoes (You can also substitute with roasted herb tomatoes)

• 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons Tuscan Marry Me blend (You can purchase the blend or make it homemade)

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 cup organic heavy cream

• ½ cup organic vegetable stock

• 3 tablespoons white cooking wine (Optional; or substitute with additional veggie stock)

• ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed

• 1 cup chopped kale, organic

• ½ cup freshly-grated parmesan + more for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Tuscan seasoning blend and salt, followed by the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.

2. Add the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, vegetable stock, lemon juice, and white wine. Stir the mixture and let it bubble slightly for 1-2 minutes.

3. Finish the Sauce: Add the freshly-grated parmesan to the pan, whisking until fully melted and the sauce begins to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add the Beans and Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and butter beans, mixing until everything is well combined. Let the dish simmer for 5-6 minutes until the beans are tender and lightly mashed.

5. Serve: Once done, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the creamy Tuscan butter beans with your choice of side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra parmesan, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of the cream and parmesan for a completely dairy-free dish.

• Extra Greens: For an extra boost of nutrition, feel free to add in spinach, broccolini, or even asparagus in place of the kale.

• Homemade Tuscan Blend: If you don’t have the Marry Me seasoning blend, make your own with a mix of smoked paprika, dried parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, add a bit of heavy cream or vegetable stock to recreate the creamy texture. Heat on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Just make sure to soak and cook them thoroughly before using them in this recipe.

Can I make this dish without the Tuscan Marry Me blend?

You can substitute the blend with individual herbs and spices like smoked paprika, dried basil, thyme, and oregano, or simply use a pre-made Tuscan seasoning.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make it vegan, replace the butter with vegan butter, the heavy cream with coconut milk or coconut cream, and the parmesan with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

What can I serve these butter beans with?

These creamy butter beans are delicious served with rice, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a hearty dish.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, and when ready to reheat, add a bit of liquid to restore the creaminess.

Can I use another type of bean?

If you don’t have butter beans, you can substitute with other white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans.

What is the best way to store leftover sauce?

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable stock or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it, add the kale and beans, and simmer until hot and the kale is wilted.

How can I reduce the richness of the dish?

If you want a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter non-dairy milk like almond milk. Adjust seasoning as needed.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the garlic and tomatoes.

Conclusion

Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans are the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and flavorful, and they come together in no time. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main or a flavorful side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. The rich sauce made with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan perfectly complements the butter beans, while the kale adds a nice touch of freshness. With a few easy modifications, this dish can be made to suit any dietary preference. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s so irresistible!