Marry Me White Beans are a delightful and creamy dish that brings the best of Italian flavors right to your table. Perfect for any occasion, these beans are not only rich in taste but also quick to prepare, making them an ideal side dish for dinner parties or weeknight meals. The combination of herbs and cream creates a luscious texture that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for busy nights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: With garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, these beans pack a punch of flavor that elevates any meal.
- Versatile Dish: Serve Marry Me White Beans as a side dish or make it the star of your vegetarian feast—it’s perfect for various occasions.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream gives this dish its signature richness, making it comforting and satisfying.
- Healthy Option: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from white beans, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Marry Me White Beans, you’ll need just a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Provides ample space to cook ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces.
- Chef’s knife: Makes chopping onions and garlic quick and easy for efficient prep time.
Ingredients
Marry Me White Beans dazzle with delicious creaminess and Italian flavors. These are super easy to make and can be prepped and ready in just 15 minutes! Such amazing taste and texture, these could very well lead to a marriage proposal after your first bite!
For the Base
- ¼ onion (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
For the Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
- 1/2 cup spinach
For the Creaminess
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more as needed)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
For Serving
- Bread for dipping
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Marry Me White Beans
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by adding the onions and oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
– Cook the onions until they soften.
– Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
– Incorporate tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add Broth and Beans
Next, stir in the vegetable broth along with the white beans and sun-dried tomatoes.
– Let this mixture cook for about 4-5 minutes.
– Gently stir several times during cooking.
Step 3: Incorporate Spinach and Cream
Reduce the heat to low before mixing in the spinach and heavy cream.
– Cook until the spinach is wilted.
– If you want extra creaminess, feel free to add more cream as needed.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with fresh basil and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
– Serve warm alongside toasted bread for dipping. Enjoy your Marry Me White Beans!
How to Serve Marry Me White Beans
Marry Me White Beans are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a delightful appetizer, there are plenty of options to complement this creamy dish.
As a Main Course
- Serve with grilled chicken for a balanced meal that adds protein and flavor.
- Pair with roasted vegetables to enhance the dish’s taste and texture.
In a Wrap
- Use in a wrap with fresh greens and avocado for a delicious lunch option.
- Combine with hummus and bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
With Toasted Bread
- Serve with toasted bread for dipping, making it perfect as an appetizer or snack.
- Try different types of bread like sourdough or baguette for added variety.
On a Salad
- Top a green salad with Marry Me White Beans for extra protein and creaminess.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for freshness.
How to Perfect Marry Me White Beans
To ensure your Marry Me White Beans turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and spinach will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust creaminess: Feel free to add more heavy cream if you prefer a richer texture.
- Customize spices: Experiment with different spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Cook beans properly: Ensure the white beans are well-drained and rinsed for the best flavor.
- Garnish generously: A good amount of fresh basil adds brightness to the dish.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your Marry Me White Beans right after cooking for optimal creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me White Beans
Marry Me White Beans pair well with many side dishes that can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for scooping up the creamy beans.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad that adds crispness and tang to your meal.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned zucchini complements the rich flavors of the beans.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a hearty pairing.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring brightness to the table.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious; it balances the richness of the beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Marry Me White Beans, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using too much oil: Adding excess oil can make the dish greasy. Stick to the one tablespoon recommended in the recipe for the best results.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; sauté it until fragrant for maximum taste.
- Ignoring seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial. Make sure to use salt and spices as indicated; they enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Overcooking spinach: Overcooked spinach can lose its vibrant color and nutrients. Add it last and cook just until wilted for better texture.
- Not garnishing: Garnishing with fresh basil elevates the dish. Don’t forget to add this final touch for visual appeal and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Marry Me White Beans in an airtight container.
- They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Marry Me White Beans
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Marry Me White Beans
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place beans in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer beans to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Pour beans into a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different beans for Marry Me White Beans?
You can substitute other canned beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, but keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.
What should I serve with Marry Me White Beans?
These beans pair well with toasted bread, pasta, or a fresh salad, making them a versatile side dish option.
How spicy are Marry Me White Beans?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat; you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or omit them entirely.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version without losing creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me White Beans offer a delightful blend of creaminess and Italian flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only impresses with its taste but also allows for customization—feel free to add vegetables or proteins of your choice. Try making this dish today and enjoy its versatility!
Marry Me White Beans
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me White Beans are a creamy, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table. This quick and easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal side for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant dinner parties. Combining the richness of heavy cream with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, these beans deliver a luscious texture that’s sure to impress. Serve them as a delightful side or elevate them as a main vegetarian course—perfectly versatile for any occasion!
Ingredients
- ¼ onion (minced)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (drained and rinsed)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced onion in oil until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional two minutes.
- Add vegetable broth along with white beans and sun-dried tomatoes; simmer for about five minutes.
- Lower heat and mix in spinach and heavy cream; cook until spinach is wilted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm with toasted bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste or substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan option. Enjoy these beans immediately for the best flavor and creaminess.