Marry Me White Beans
If you’re looking for a dish that embodies comfort and romance all in one, look no further than Marry Me White Beans. This delightful recipe combines creamy white beans with a burst of flavors from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or just want to impress friends at your next gathering, this dish is sure to steal the show. Serve it with warm, crusty bread for the perfect dipping experience!
Why It Deserves a Spot
Marry Me White Beans is a dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the white beans, making it a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The creamy texture from the heavy cream and the earthy notes from the spices make it rich and indulgent, while the fresh spinach and basil add a burst of color and freshness. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze!
What to Buy
To whip up this delicious dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- Onion: 1, minced
- Oil: 1 tablespoon (olive oil works beautifully)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oregano: 1/4 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Vegetable broth: 1/2 cup
- White beans: 1 (15 oz) can, drained and rinsed
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/4 cup, sliced
- Spinach: 1/2 cup
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, plus more as needed
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Bread: for dipping (your favorite crusty bread works best)
Cook’s Kit
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- Large skillet: For sautéing the ingredients and simmering the beans.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring everything together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and basil.
- Can opener: To easily open the can of white beans.
Marry Me White Beans, Made Easy
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Marry Me White Beans.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable broth to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Incorporate the Beans and Tomatoes
Add the drained and rinsed white beans and the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream
Stir in the spinach and heavy cream, cooking until the spinach wilts and the cream is fully incorporated. If the mixture is too thick, feel free to add a little more cream or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop your Marry Me White Beans into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness with your loved ones!
Variations for Dietary Needs
This recipe is quite adaptable! Here are some variations to consider:
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your bread is gluten-free, or serve the beans over rice or quinoa.
- Add protein by mixing in cooked chicken or turkey if you’re looking for a heartier meal.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add olives or capers for an extra burst of flavor.
Mistakes That Ruin Marry Me White Beans
Creating the perfect Marry Me White Beans is easy, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the aromatics: Don’t rush through the sautéing of the onion and garlic, as it builds the foundation of flavor.
- Overcooking the spinach: Add the spinach at the end to prevent it from wilting too much and losing its vibrant color.
- Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go and adjust salt or spices to ensure a well-balanced dish.
- Using low-quality canned beans: Opt for a good brand of white beans for the best taste and texture.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you find yourself with leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat your Marry Me White Beans:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the mixture is too thick.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried beans, be sure to soak and cook them beforehand as they will take longer to prepare than canned beans.
What can I serve with Marry Me White Beans?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, but you could also serve it over rice or alongside a fresh salad like Corn Tomato Avocado Salad for a complete meal.
How can I make it spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Marry Me White Beans a day in advance. Just reheat before serving and add a little extra cream or broth to loosen if needed.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
If you loved making Marry Me White Beans, you’ll also enjoy these recipes:
- Mexican Bean Dip – A crowd-pleaser perfect for parties!
- Corn Tomato Avocado Salad – A fresh and vibrant side dish.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have the recipe for Marry Me White Beans, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This dish is not only a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together but also a reminder that cooking can be both easy and rewarding. Enjoy every bite, and watch as this dish becomes a staple in your home. Happy cooking!
Marry Me White Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Add the vegetable broth to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans and the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors.
- Stir in the spinach and heavy cream, cooking until the spinach wilts and the cream is fully incorporated. If the mixture is too thick, feel free to add a little more cream or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Scoop your Marry Me White Beans into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness with your loved ones!
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your bread is gluten-free, or serve the beans over rice or quinoa.
- Add protein by mixing in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
