Okay, let’s talk. I have a confession: I used to think beans were… fine. A pantry staple, yes, but rarely the star. Then, I discovered a way to make marry me butter beans that completely shifted my perspective. Imagine those humble beans transformed – bathed in an impossibly creamy sauce, infused with fragrant herbs and gentle spices, offering comfort so profound it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. That’s what happened when I first created this specific vegan version of Marry Me Butter Beans. The concept might borrow its playful name from the popular Marry Me chicken recipe, but this plant-based iteration stands beautifully on its own.
The experience wasn’t just about taste; it was the aroma filling the kitchen as the spices bloomed, the visual appeal of vibrant greens swirling into a luscious sauce, the utterly satisfying creamy texture. My friend, Sarah, who appreciates simple, nourishing food, tried it. “This feels so good to eat, and it tastes amazing,” she said, savoring another spoonful. “Is this butter bean recipe complicated?” And the most wonderful part? The answer is a resounding no. It’s surprisingly simple to make this dish.
This particular beans dish captures that feeling of pure satisfaction – finding a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and leaves you feeling balanced and happy. While the “Marry Me” name often implies over-the-top richness, this core recipe celebrates a different kind of love affair – one with comforting charm, inherent balance, and the surprising elegance of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. It’s proof that wholesome, plant-based cooking, particularly this vegan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe, can be utterly captivating. Get ready for a new, healthy obsession!
Table of Contents
Why This Marry Me Butter Beans is a MUST-TRY!
In a sea of new recipes online, this one stands out. It’s not just about creating another iteration of a trendy dish; it’s about offering a Marry Me Butter Beans experience that is both deeply satisfying and genuinely nourishing, a truly healthy option. It strikes a beautiful balance that many other recipes miss.
Here’s a deeper dive into why you’ll adore this specific approach:
- Wonderfully Balanced Flavor Profile: We build layers of savory depth harmoniously. The asafoetida (hing) provides a smooth foundation without garlic’s sharpness. Fresh tomato lends gentle sweetness, perfectly complemented by aromatic oregano and basil. It’s a symphony where every note contributes to the whole delightful taste of these Marry Me Butter Beans vegan style.
- Incredibly Creamy & Comforting Texture: The secret lies in using full-fat coconut milk. Its richness creates a stable emulsion, resulting in a sauce that’s luxuriously thick, velvety, and coats every bean beautifully – delivering that indulgent mouthfeel, entirely plant-based. This Marry Me Butter Beans with coconut milk is pure creamy bliss.
- Surprisingly Simple & Genuinely Quick: Designed for ease, this is essentially a one pot (or one pan) wonder. Everything comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup. The steps are straightforward, requiring minimal active cooking time. In about 30 minutes, you have a stunning meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Naturally Vegan & Plant-Powered Goodness: This recipe celebrates plants, delivering robust flavor and satisfaction using only wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic example of vegetarian and vegan cooking at its best.
- Focus on Freshness & Digestibility: By prioritizing fresh tomato, herbs, and digestion-friendly spices like hing, this version aims to be kinder to your system. Gentle cooking methods using vegetable ingredients further preserve integrity.
- Beautifully Satisfying & Versatile: A truly fulfilling meal. The combination of protein and fiber from the beans, healthy fats from the coconut milk, and layers of flavor creates lasting satiety. You’ll love this recipe!
Making these balanced Marry Me Butter Beans isn’t just cooking; it’s an act of creating comfort and nourishment with a fantastic bean recipe.
Gather Your Goodies (Ingredients for a Balanced Dish)
This recipe focuses on fresh, pure ingredients that work together beautifully. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this nourishing and creamy butter beans dish:

Core Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil: Provides a clean, high-quality fat base.
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing) Powder: The magic ingredient offering savory depth and digestive benefits.
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Finely Grated: Adds gentle warmth.
- 1 cup Fresh Ripe Tomatoes, Finely Diced: Using fresh tomato keeps the flavor bright. Romas work well.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano OR 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano, Chopped: Brings Mediterranean warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil OR 1.5 teaspoons Fresh Basil, Chopped: Fresh basil is wonderful if available!
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For gentle spice.
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is essential for the rich and creamy texture. Don’t use light!
- 1/2 cup Pure Water or Simple Vegetable Broth: Helps create the sauce consistency. Ensure broth is free from onion/garlic if aiming for balance. Using a verified simple vegetable broth is key.
- Two Cans (15 oz / 425g each) Butter Beans (Large Lima Beans), Rinsed and Drained OR ~3 cups Cooked Dried Butter Beans: The star! These are often called lima beans regionally.
- Canned: Offers convenience. Look for cans of butter beans that are BPA-free. Rinsing canned beans well is crucial.
- Dried: Cooking dried beans yields the best texture. Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans can substitute among types of beans, but butter beans offer the creamiest result.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, Roughly Chopped: Adds vibrant color and nutrients. Spinach wilts down beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Mineral Salt (like Himalayan Pink Salt), or to taste: Adjust seasoning carefully.
For Serving:
- Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) or Parsley, Chopped: Enhances freshness.
- Cooked Basmati Rice, Quinoa, or Yeast-Free Flatbread (like Roti/Chapati): Perfect accompaniments.
Essential Equipment:
- Large Skillet or Braiser (approx. 12-inch): Essential for this one pan meal.
Let’s Get Cooking! (Gentle Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these mindful steps with gentle heat to make marry me butter beans perfectly.

- Warm Oil & Bloom Hing: Place your skillet over medium-low heat. Add coconut oil. Once warm, sprinkle in hing powder (and optional ginger). Stir constantly for 15-20 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté Fresh Tomatoes: Add diced fresh tomato. Sauté gently for 4-5 minutes until softened, creating a light base. This starts building the creamy tomato aspect of the sauce.
- Add Herbs & Pepper: Stir in dried oregano and basil (if using dried), and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and water (or simple broth). Whisk gently. Bring to a very gentle simmer. Time to make the sauce!
- Add Beans & Season: Gently add the butter beans (drained and rinsed butter beans are key here). Stir to coat. Season with salt.
- Simmer Gently & Infuse: Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Let cook uncovered or partially covered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the beans to absorb flavors and the creamy sauce to meld. You are essentially letting the Marry Me Butter Beans simmer to perfection.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach. Gently fold it into the hot sauce (1-2 minutes) until just wilted. (Stir in fresh basil now if using.)
- Taste and Adjust Mindfully: Turn off heat. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) for balance.
- Serve with Presence: Ladle the hot, creamy butter beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately!
Chef’s Secrets & Fun Twists
Elevate your Marry Me Butter Beans recipe experience with these insights:
Tips for the Perfect Balanced Version:
- Mastering Hing: Bloom correctly in warm fat. Quality matters.
- Freshness First – The Bean Debate: Cooking dried beans yields superior creamy texture, but canned beans offer speed. Choose what suits you when you use butter beans.
- Gentle Heat is Key: Avoid high temperatures. Gentle simmering is crucial.
- Pure Liquids Matter: Use water or simple vegetable broth.
- Embrace Natural Creaminess: Let the coconut milk shine.
- Season Thoughtfully: Adjust seasoning at the end.
Common Variations & Optional Add-Ins (For Different Preferences):
This core bean recipe is balanced. For a bolder, more Tuscan style flavor closer to some popular internet versions (moving away from the balanced approach), consider these optional additions:
- Garlic Punch: [Optional] Sauté 3-5 minced garlic cloves instead of hing/ginger.
- Intense Sun-Dried Tomato Flavor: [Optional] Use 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato (chopped) instead of fresh tomato. Creates more of a Tuscan sauce.
- “Cheesy” Umami Boost: [Optional] Stir in 1/4 cup nutritional yeast with beans. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan before serving. (Note: Standard recipes sometimes use dairy parmesan or parmesan cheese and heavy cream; this vegan version uses plant-based alternatives if you choose this path).
- Adding Heat: [Optional] Add 1/4 – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes with dried herbs.
- Different Fats: [Optional] Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of coconut oil.
Incorporating these will create a delicious, bolder dish, closer to a creamy Tuscan style, distinct from the primary balanced Marry Me Butter Beans recipe.
Serving & Storing Like a Pro

Serving Suggestions:
- Ideal Pairings: Serve these Marry Me Butter Beans hot with basmati rice, quinoa, or yeast-free flatbreads.
- Fresh Garnishes: Crucial! Use fresh coriander or parsley.
- Enjoy Freshly Made: Best enjoyed immediately.
Storing Leftovers:
- Prioritize Freshness: Fresh is best for vitality.
- Practical Storage: Cool quickly, store airtight in fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat: To reheat, use gentle stovetop heat. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it affects texture. Stir gently, add water if needed.

Marry Me Butter Beans
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil: Provides a clean high-quality fat base.
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida Hing Powder: The magic ingredient offering savory depth and digestive benefits.
- Optional 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Finely Grated: Adds gentle warmth.
- 1 cup Fresh Ripe Tomatoes Finely Diced: Using fresh tomato keeps the flavor bright. Romas work well.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano OR 1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano Chopped: Brings Mediterranean warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil OR 1.5 teaspoons Fresh Basil Chopped: Fresh basil is wonderful if available!
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For gentle spice.
- 1 can 13.5 oz / 400ml Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is essential for the rich and creamy texture. Don’t use light!
- 1/2 cup Pure Water or Simple Vegetable Broth: Helps create the sauce consistency. Ensure broth is free from onion/garlic if aiming for balance. Using a verified simple vegetable broth is key.
- Two Cans 15 oz / 425g each Butter Beans (Large Lima Beans), Rinsed and Drained OR ~3 cups Cooked Dried Butter Beans: The star! These are often called lima beans regionally.
- Canned: Offers convenience. Look for cans of butter beans that are BPA-free. Rinsing canned beans well is crucial.
- Dried: Cooking dried beans yields the best texture. Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans can substitute among types of beans but butter beans offer the creamiest result.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach Roughly Chopped: Adds vibrant color and nutrients. Spinach wilts down beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Mineral Salt like Himalayan Pink Salt, or to taste: Adjust seasoning carefully.
For Serving:
- Fresh Coriander Cilantro or Parsley, Chopped: Enhances freshness.
- Cooked Basmati Rice Quinoa, or Yeast-Free Flatbread (like Roti/Chapati): Perfect accompaniments.
Essential Equipment:
- Large Skillet or Braiser approx. 12-inch: Essential for this one pan meal.
Instructions
Warm Oil & Bloom Hing:
- Place your skillet over medium-low heat. Add coconut oil. Once warm, sprinkle in hing powder (and optional ginger). Stir constantly for 15-20 seconds until fragrant.
Sauté Fresh Tomatoes:
- Add diced fresh tomato. Sauté gently for 4-5 minutes until softened, creating a light base. This starts building the creamy tomato aspect of the sauce.
Add Herbs & Pepper:
- Stir in dried oregano and basil (if using dried), and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds.
Create the Sauce Base:
- Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and water (or simple broth). Whisk gently. Bring to a very gentle simmer. Time to make the sauce!
Add Beans & Season:
- Gently add the butter beans (drained and rinsed butter beans are key here). Stir to coat. Season with salt.
Simmer Gently & Infuse:
- Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Let cook uncovered or partially covered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the beans to absorb flavors and the creamy sauce to meld. You are essentially letting the Marry Me Butter Beans simmer to perfection.
Wilt the Spinach:
- Add fresh spinach. Gently fold it into the hot sauce (1-2 minutes) until just wilted. (Stir in fresh basil now if using.)
Taste and Adjust Mindfully:
- Turn off heat. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) for balance.
Serve with Presence:
- Ladle the hot, creamy butter beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of recipe)
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: (Not provided in source)
- Trans Fat: (Not provided, likely 0g)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg (Note: 0mg if using vegan substitutes)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about this Marry Me Butter Beans dish:
What are Marry Me Beans?
Playfully named for being irresistible! Often means a very creamy, rich dish, frequently Tuscan-inspired (Tuscan Marry Me butter beans). Our main recipe offers a balanced, healthy, vegan interpretation using hing and fresh tomato, with coconut milk for creaminess. Optional bolder variations (using garlic/sun-dried tomato) are noted for those preferring that style. These are distinct from Marry Me chickpeas or Marry Me tofu, which apply the concept to different proteins.
Who calls lima beans butter beans?
It’s regional! Large, flat lima beans are commonly called lima beans in some areas and butter beans in others (US South, UK) due to their creamy, buttery texture. They are the same bean (Phaseolus lunatus).
What to serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?
Great with basmati rice, quinoa, yeast-free flatbreads. If making the bolder optional version, crusty bread is also a popular choice. Can be served over pasta too (Marry Me butter beans pasta style).
Are butter beans healthier than pasta?
Generally, yes. Butter beans offer more plant-based protein, fiber, and micronutrients than standard white pasta. They provide complex carbs for sustained energy. Comparing to whole wheat pasta is closer, but beans usually lead in protein/nutrients. Both fit a healthy diet, but butter beans are very nutrient-dense.
Are butter beans healthy?
Yes, Marry Me Butter Beans healthy options like this one leverage the fantastic nutrition of butter beans! They are packed with protein, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. A truly healthy whole food. These beans are delicious and good for you!
Tried it? Let’s Chat Below!
Alright, your turn! Did you make this recipe? Specifically, this nourishing version of vegan Marry Me Butter Beans? I’m so excited to hear if you want to make this recipe again!
- Share your experience! Did you enjoy the flavors using hing and fresh tomato?
- Did you cook dried beans or use canned beans? How did it go?
- What did you serve alongside your creamy butter beans?
- Did you perhaps try any of the optional bolder variations mentioned (like the creamy Tuscan style)?
Your comments help others who want to make marry me butter beans. Thanks for visiting and happy cooking! Check the recipe card below for a quick summary.