Marry Me Butter Beans
Seriously obsessed with this easy vegan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe! Unbelievably creamy, flavorful, and ready fast. Find out why everyone loves it!
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil: Provides a clean high-quality fat base.
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida Hing Powder: The magic ingredient offering savory depth and digestive benefits.
- Optional 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Finely Grated: Adds gentle warmth.
- 1 cup Fresh Ripe Tomatoes Finely Diced: Using fresh tomato keeps the flavor bright. Romas work well.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano OR 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano Chopped: Brings Mediterranean warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil OR 1.5 teaspoons Fresh Basil Chopped: Fresh basil is wonderful if available!
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For gentle spice.
- 1 can 13.5 oz / 400ml Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is essential for the rich and creamy texture. Don't use light!
- 1/2 cup Pure Water or Simple Vegetable Broth: Helps create the sauce consistency. Ensure broth is free from onion/garlic if aiming for balance. Using a verified simple vegetable broth is key.
- Two Cans 15 oz / 425g each Butter Beans (Large Lima Beans), Rinsed and Drained OR ~3 cups Cooked Dried Butter Beans: The star! These are often called lima beans regionally.
- Canned: Offers convenience. Look for cans of butter beans that are BPA-free. Rinsing canned beans well is crucial.
- Dried: Cooking dried beans yields the best texture. Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans can substitute among types of beans but butter beans offer the creamiest result.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach Roughly Chopped: Adds vibrant color and nutrients. Spinach wilts down beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Mineral Salt like Himalayan Pink Salt, or to taste: Adjust seasoning carefully.
For Serving:
- Fresh Coriander Cilantro or Parsley, Chopped: Enhances freshness.
- Cooked Basmati Rice Quinoa, or Yeast-Free Flatbread (like Roti/Chapati): Perfect accompaniments.
Essential Equipment:
- Large Skillet or Braiser approx. 12-inch: Essential for this one pan meal.
Instructions
Warm Oil & Bloom Hing:
- Place your skillet over medium-low heat. Add coconut oil. Once warm, sprinkle in hing powder (and optional ginger). Stir constantly for 15-20 seconds until fragrant.
Sauté Fresh Tomatoes:
- Add diced fresh tomato. Sauté gently for 4-5 minutes until softened, creating a light base. This starts building the creamy tomato aspect of the sauce.
Add Herbs & Pepper:
- Stir in dried oregano and basil (if using dried), and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds.
Create the Sauce Base:
- Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and water (or simple broth). Whisk gently. Bring to a very gentle simmer. Time to make the sauce!
Add Beans & Season:
- Gently add the butter beans (drained and rinsed butter beans are key here). Stir to coat. Season with salt.
Simmer Gently & Infuse:
- Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Let cook uncovered or partially covered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the beans to absorb flavors and the creamy sauce to meld. You are essentially letting the Marry Me Butter Beans simmer to perfection.
Wilt the Spinach:
- Add fresh spinach. Gently fold it into the hot sauce (1-2 minutes) until just wilted. (Stir in fresh basil now if using.)
Taste and Adjust Mindfully:
- Turn off heat. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) for balance.
Serve with Presence:
- Ladle the hot, creamy butter beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately!
Notes
Nutrition information
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of recipe)
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: (Not provided in source)
- Trans Fat: (Not provided, likely 0g)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg (Note: 0mg if using vegan substitutes)