Description
Hey friends! Let’s be real—sometimes a humble side dish steals the show. Enter Zesty Butter Beans: creamy, smoky, lemony, and ready in just 15 minutes. This is the perfect quick side that will make your main course look even better.
Ingredients
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1 can (13–15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
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1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado/vegetable oil)
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1 small red or yellow onion, finely chopped
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color)
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½ tsp dried oregano (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
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½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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Salt, to taste
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Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Bloom the Spices: Add garlic, smoked paprika, turmeric, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the Beans: Stir in the butter beans until coated with the spice mixture and slightly golden.
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Finish with Lemon: Pour in lemon juice, reduce heat to low, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.
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Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
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Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free version.
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Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach while sautéing onions.
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Cheesy Touch: Crumble feta or goat cheese on top before serving.
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Grain Bowl: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or couscous with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 83 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 5g