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- 1 can (15 oz) of butter beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 2 large onions, beautifully thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon rich balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh if available - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for a colorful garnish) You can switch up ingredients for fun flavors. Try using white beans instead of butter beans. They add a different texture. You can also use red onions for a sweeter taste. If you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a fresh twist, toss in some baby spinach at the end. Each serving is packed with nutrients. You get about 200 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. The dish is also rich in vitamins from the onions and parsley. Butter beans provide healthy fats, making this dish both tasty and filling. This dish is great for a balanced meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 1 can (15 oz) of butter beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 2 large onions, beautifully thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon rich balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh if available - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish 2. Thinly slice the onions. This helps them cook evenly. Aim for long, thin strips. 1. In a spacious skillet, pour in the olive oil. Warm it over medium-low heat. Let it become fragrant without smoking. 2. Add the thinly sliced onions. Season them lightly with sea salt. This step boosts their natural sweetness. 3. Cook the onions slowly. Stir them occasionally for about 15-20 minutes. Watch as they turn soft and golden-brown. 4. If onions stick, add a small splash of water. This keeps them tender and prevents burning. 5. Once caramelized, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic. 1. Gently fold in the drained butter beans. Mix them well with the onions and garlic. 2. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. 3. Stir everything well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. This lets all flavors meld beautifully. 4. Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 5. Serve the warm dish in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. To get the best caramelized onions, use low heat. This method lets the sugars develop slowly. Start with a large skillet. Add olive oil and let it warm. Then, add your onions with a pinch of salt. This salt helps draw out moisture. Stir them often but gently. If they stick, add a splash of water. Keep cooking until they turn golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. The patience will be worth it! To boost the flavor, add fresh or dried herbs. Thyme works great in this dish. It adds a nice depth to the beans and onions. You can also experiment with other herbs. Try rosemary or sage for different tastes. For a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. Just a pinch will do. Remember, balance is key. You want the flavors to blend nicely. These caramelized onion butter beans shine as a side dish. Serve them next to grilled meats for a hearty meal. They pair well with chicken or steak. You can also enjoy them on their own. Top with extra parsley for color and freshness. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad. This makes for a delightful dinner experience! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh onions and herbs to enhance the dish's flavor. Fresh ingredients bring a brightness and vitality that can elevate your meal. Control the Heat: Keep the heat on medium-low when caramelizing onions. This slow cooking process allows the natural sugars to develop without burning, resulting in perfectly sweet and tender onions. Experiment with Vinegars: While balsamic vinegar adds a rich flavor, feel free to experiment with other types like red wine or apple cider vinegar for a different taste profile. Add Texture: For a bit of crunch, consider topping the dish with some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs just before serving. This adds an interesting contrast to the creamy butter beans. {{image_4}} This dish is already vegetarian and can easily be vegan. Simply use vegetable broth instead of water if you need to add liquid while cooking the onions. You can also skip the butter and oil for a lighter version. The dish still tastes great without these fats. If you want a creamy texture, try adding a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options work well and keep the dish vegan. Just stir in a little at the end, after the beans are heated through. This change brings a rich flavor that pairs nicely with the caramelized onions. For those who like some spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also mix in some smoked paprika for a different flavor twist. This will add warmth and depth to the dish, making it even more exciting. To store your leftover caramelized onion butter beans, let them cool first. Use an airtight container and pour the beans inside. Make sure to seal it tightly. Place the container in your fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, take the beans out of the fridge. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps keep them moist. Heat them over low heat until warm. In the microwave, heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to warm evenly. If you want to save the beans for later, freezing is great. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. They can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned. Yes, you can use fresh butter beans. First, shell them from their pods. Then, cook them in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Drain and cool them before adding to the recipe. Fresh beans will give a vibrant texture and taste. To store leftovers, let them cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Use a freezer-safe container, and they can last for about 2 months. Serve these beans as a side with grilled meats or fish. They also pair well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. For a vegetarian option, serve them with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. The flavors complement many dishes. This blog post explored how to make the best caramelized onion butter beans. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. Variations allow for personal touches, like making it vegan or spicy. I also shared smart ways to store and reheat leftovers. In summary, cooking this dish is fun and flexible. Experiment with flavors to create your own favorite version. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Caramelized Onion Butter Beans Delight

A warm and flavorful dish featuring caramelized onions and butter beans, perfect as a main course or side.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can butter beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed
  • 2 large onions, beautifully thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon rich balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh if available
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious skillet, pour in the olive oil and warm it over medium-low heat, allowing it to become fragrant without smoking.
  • Gently add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet, seasoning them with a pinch of sea salt to enhance their sweetness. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and golden-brown.
  • Once the onions have achieved perfect caramelization, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic and golden.
  • Next, gently fold in the drained butter beans, ensuring they are well-mixed with the onion and garlic mixture.
  • Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the beans and onion, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, along with a dash of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything well and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt or pepper as desired.
  • Serve this warm dish in bowls, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls or as a side dish alongside grilled meats, with extra olive oil and fresh thyme for presentation.
Keyword butter beans, caramelized onions, vegan