One evening during last summer, I found myself sprawled on my bed, shooting Instagram recipe posts to my own number. This is my cozy routine after I tuck my daughter in for the night: as soon as the sound machine hums to life, I quietly tiptoe to my bedroom, where I enjoy 10 minutes of silence, lazily scrolling through my Instagram discover page for the newest easy, one-pot recipes that I’ll likely never attempt. If something catches my eye, I text it to myself for future reference. Yet, the reality is that after a long day, I’m often too exhausted to experiment. Unless it appears really delicious and really simple, and I have the ingredients at hand, it’s probably not going to happen.
However, one notable night last summer, I stumbled upon a recipe that fulfilled all my criteria: Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce. It was a straightforward bean dish made mostly from pantry staples and required only 10 minutes of cooking. I thought it was worth trying, even if it didn’t taste as good as it appeared on Instagram. And here’s the surprising part: it did. It was indeed “marry me” delicious. As it stands, I’m essentially married to this recipe. Over the past year, I’ve whipped it up about twice weekly. I make it so frequently that I buy the ingredients in bulk.
There are plenty of “marry me” recipes out there (including the original Marry Me Chicken, and its predecessor, Engagement Chicken). But this is the one I consistently return to. Most nights, I still lie on my bed texting recipe reels to myself (my discover page now has a heavy dose of beans — I adore it). But this is the one I share with everyone else.
Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce
Recipe by Sarah Bond
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced (I use a press!)
1/2 tsp each: salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 15-oz cans butter beans (see note #1, below)
1/2 cup to 1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup chopped spinach (or more)
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half & half, 236 mL)
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 tbsp fresh basil
In a large sauté pan or pot, melt the butter, along with the garlic and seasonings, over a low-medium heat for about 2 minutes, until the garlic releases its aroma. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, beans, and broth. (Sarah advises using 1/2 cup of broth for a thicker sauce, or 1 cup for a thinner version — which might be preferable if you’re serving the beans over pasta or rice). Continue cooking on medium heat, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in spinach until wilted (I add significantly more than specified — a great method to bulk up the dish and add texture without changing the flavor). Then mix in the cream, parmesan, and basil. Serve on its own with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside pasta.
Note #1: Depending on your location, butter beans are sometimes referred to as large lima beans. In New York, where I reside, finding the LARGE beans can be challenging — and I don’t bother searching. I substitute with cannellini beans, great northern beans, or whatever white beans are at hand.
Note #2: When cooking for myself, I leave out the cheese and red pepper flakes as I’m not fond of them. I often skip the basil, too, because I don’t have it available. I also tend to splash in a heavy amount of cream rather than measure a full cup. I mention this because while I encourage you to try Sarah’s beautiful recipe as is, I want you to know that even if you lack some of the ingredients, it’ll likely still turn out wonderfully!
Does anyone have a viral dish that truly met the expectations? One of these days I’ll have to whip up something different.
P.S. Five creative uses for a rotisserie chicken, and the ultimate strawberry snacking cake.
**Unforgettable Instagram Beans Recipe: A Feast for the Eyes and Palate**
In the realm of social media, where food photography takes the spotlight, crafting a dish that is as delectable as it is visually stunning is essential for capturing attention. Introducing the Unforgettable Instagram Beans Recipe—a colorful, flavorful dish that is bound to become a favorite among your followers and friends alike. This recipe merges the robust earthiness of beans with a collection of vibrant vegetables and spices, making it not just a delight for the taste buds but also a visual treat.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of assorted beans (like kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas), cooked and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 red onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
– Avocado slices, for garnish
– Optional: crumbled feta cheese or vegan cheese for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Beans:** If using canned beans, rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain. For dried beans, soak overnight and cook until tender.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and garlic, stirring until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
3. **Add the Vegetables:** Toss in the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
4. **Season the Mixture:** Sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, mixing thoroughly to coat them with the spices.
5. **Combine with Beans:** Add the assorted beans to the skillet, stirring to integrate them with the vegetable medley. Cook for another 5 minutes to unify the flavors.
6. **Finish with Lime:** Squeeze the juice of one lime into the bean and vegetable mix, stirring to merge the zesty brightness.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Move the beans to a serving plate. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and, if desired, crumbled feta or vegan cheese.
8. **Capture the Moment:** Before serving, take a moment to snap a photo of the vibrant colors and textures of your dish. Utilize natural lighting and a clean background to highlight the colors in your Instagram shot.
**Tips for the Perfect Instagram Shot:**
– Opt for a flat lay angle to showcase all the ingredients of the dish.
– Use props like a colorful napkin or rustic utensils to add depth to the image.
– Try out different filters to enhance the natural colors of the dish.
This Unforgettable Instagram Beans Recipe provides not only a nutritious and gratifying meal but also serves as a stunning addition to your social media presence. With its array of textures, flavors, and colors, it’s sure to attract likes and encourage others to recreate this culinary gem. Enjoy the journey of cooking, styling, and sharing this delightful dish with your online audience.
