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- 1 can of butter beans, drained and rinsed - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Let’s dive into the ingredients that make up this dish. First, butter beans are creamy and soft. They add a nice texture. You can find them canned, which saves time. Next, we have onions. Slicing them thin helps them caramelize well. The olive oil gives a rich flavor and helps cook the onions slowly. Garlic adds a lovely aroma and taste. Balsamic vinegar gives a sweet tang. Thyme brings earthiness to the dish. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. For the garnish, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It brightens the dish and makes it look nice. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a warm and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. - Next, add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. - Cook the onions gently for about 15-20 minutes. Stir them occasionally. - Watch for them to turn soft and deeply caramelized. If they stick, add a splash of water. - Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic. - Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells good. - Now, add the drained butter beans to the skillet. - Gently fold the beans into the onion mixture. - Next, pour in the balsamic vinegar and mix well. - Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. - Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes. - Heat until everything is warm, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Finally, serve warm, and finish it off with fresh chopped parsley on top. To get those sweet, golden onions, cook them low and slow. Aim for 15-20 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir them often. This helps them cook evenly. If they stick to the pan, splash in a bit of water. It keeps them from burning and adds a nice flavor. When you heat butter beans, do it gently. Add them to the pan after the onions. Stir them carefully to coat with the onion mixture. This ensures they heat evenly. To boost flavor, sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper or add fresh herbs right before serving. It makes a big difference. Caramelized onion butter beans pair well with rice or crusty bread. They can also top a salad for extra flavor. For a fun twist, serve them in a bowl with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can even use them as a filling for tacos or wraps. The options are endless! Pro Tips Use Sweet Onions: Opt for sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for a richer flavor that enhances the sweetness of the caramelization. Low and Slow: Cook the onions over low heat to ensure they caramelize evenly without burning, allowing their natural sugars to develop fully. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other herbs such as rosemary or oregano for additional layers of flavor that complement the dish beautifully. Serve with Bread: For a heartier meal, serve the caramelized onion butter beans on toasted bread or alongside crusty baguette slices. {{image_2}} You can switch up the beans in this dish. Use white beans or chickpeas instead of butter beans. Both options add a different taste and texture. Mixing different beans can create a fun experience. Each bean offers unique flavors, which can make your meal more interesting. You can spice things up by adding herbs or spices. Think about thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne for heat. Adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, can boost the meal's nutrition. These additions make your dish colorful and flavorful. If you want a vegan dish, swap in different oils or vinegars. Olive oil works well, but avocado oil is a great choice too. For garnishes, use nut-based cheese or seeds to keep it dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal, no matter their diet. To keep your caramelized onion butter beans fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from mixing. Make sure to cool the beans to room temperature before sealing. They can last up to three days in the fridge. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. This helps keep the beans moist. Stir gently for about five minutes until they warm through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to keep the texture nice. Yes, you can freeze caramelized onion butter beans! They freeze well for up to three months. To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them as mentioned above for the best flavor. Butter beans are large, creamy beans. They have a smooth texture and a rich flavor. Unlike other beans, they are softer and cook faster. Butter beans are great in soups, stews, or salads. They add a nice creaminess that many other beans do not have. Yes, you can make caramelized onion butter beans in advance. Prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. To add heat, you can include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can stir these in with the garlic. Another option is to use spicy olive oil or add a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste and adjust as needed. Caramelized onion butter beans pair well with rustic bread or crusty rolls. They also go nicely with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad can balance the dish's richness, too. If your onions are overcooked, try adding a splash of water or broth. This can help soften their texture. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance bitterness. If they are too burnt, it may be best to start over and cook them slowly again. This recipe for caramelized onion butter beans skillfully combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You learned how to caramelize onions and blend them with butter beans and spices. I shared tips to perfect your cooking and variations to keep things fresh. Remember to store and reheat leftovers well for the best experience. This dish is easy and comforting, making it perfect for any meal. Try it out, and enjoy the rich flavors and textures even more!

Caramelized Onion Butter Beans

A delicious 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 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
  • Add the sliced onions, seasoning them with a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are soft and deeply caramelized. If they start to stick, you can add a splash of water to prevent burning.
  • Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the drained butter beans to the skillet and gently fold them into the onion mixture to combine.
  • Pour in the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Add a splash of water if onions start to stick while cooking.
Keyword butter beans, caramelized onions, vegetarian