Tuscan-Style Butter Beans with Herb Infusion

$- 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish I love using canned butter beans for this dish. They are easy to find and save time. You just rinse and drain them before cooking. Fresh herbs bring a lot of flavor. Oregano, rosemary, and thyme work well together. I add garlic and onion for a nice base. Olive oil is my go-to fat for sautéing. It adds richness to the beans. I also use vegetable broth to make the dish hearty. Cherry tomatoes add a fresh taste and sweet pop. Finally, I finish with salt, pepper, and parsley for a bright touch. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. This step makes the process smooth and fun. Trust me; having everything ready saves time and effort! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onion and garlic First, take a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Toss in 3 minced cloves of garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to look clear and soft. The garlic will smell good, too. 2. Adding herbs and tomatoes Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Cook this for 1 more minute. This helps the herbs release their flavors. Now, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes. They should soften and mix well with the herbs. 3. Simmering with broth and butter beans Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and mix it up. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Now, add 2 cups of canned butter beans, which you have drained and rinsed. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it sit for 5 minutes after you remove it from heat. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To bring out the best flavor in your Tuscan butter beans, start with proper sautéing. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. This method builds a strong base for your dish. Achieving the perfect consistency is key. Add halved cherry tomatoes after your aromatics. Cook them until they soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step adds moisture and helps your dish thicken. When you pour in the vegetable broth, stir well and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken. Seasoning is crucial to the taste. Use salt and pepper to enhance your dish. Start with a little, then adjust as needed. Fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme will also elevate the flavor. Always taste your dish before serving to ensure it meets your liking. This way, you can enjoy a meal that feels just right! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried ones. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to evaporate more liquid. Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. Perfect Pairings: Serve these butter beans over quinoa or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. {{image_2}} Using fresh vs. canned butter beans can change your dish. Canned butter beans save time. They are quick, easy, and ready to use. Fresh butter beans take longer to prepare. You need to soak and cook them. If you have time, fresh beans add a great taste. You can also swap out vegetables. Try adding spinach for a pop of green. Kale works well, too. Carrots or bell peppers add sweetness. You can mix and match based on what you like. Adjusting herbs can change the flavor profile. If you want a bolder taste, try adding basil or sage. Thyme and rosemary pair well with many dishes. Experiment with what you have on hand. Each choice can make your meal unique. After you enjoy your Tuscan butter beans, store the leftovers right. For refrigeration, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down first. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. To freeze, transfer the cooled beans to freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating is simple. Use a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of broth or water. This helps keep the beans moist and flavorful. Stir gently until they’re heated through. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are creamy and soft. They are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins. They help in digestion and keep you fuller for longer. Plus, they have iron, which is great for your blood. Eating butter beans can support heart health and provide energy. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Just ensure you use vegetable broth, which is already in the recipe. The other ingredients, like butter beans and tomatoes, are plant-based. No animal products are needed, so it’s a perfect vegan dish. If you use dried butter beans, you need to soak them first. Soak them overnight in water. After soaking, cook them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until they are tender. Then, follow the recipe steps from adding the beans to the skillet. Adjust the broth and seasoning as needed for taste. This recipe combines canned butter beans, fresh herbs, and tomatoes for a tasty dish. You learned how to sauté aromatics and achieve great flavors. We covered tips for storing leftovers, ensuring they stay fresh. You can adjust this dish with different herbs or veggies. Cooking is fun, and this recipe makes it easy to enjoy healthy meals. Try it out, and feel free to experiment with your own twists. Happy cooking!$

Tuscan-Style Butter Beans with Herb Infusion

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring butter beans infused with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups vegetable broth
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the oregano, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften (approximately 4-5 minutes).
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the butter beans to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Keyword butter beans, herbs, vegetarian