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I’m always looking for hearty, filling vegan side dishes that pack tons of flavor without weird over-processed ingredients – and these butter beans loaded with tons of garlic and oregano are on repeat. Garlic Oregano Butter Beans are one of my favorite simple filling side dishes – loaded with healthy ingredients that fill you up and nourish hungry bellies!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Greek Butter Beans
I am always on the lookout for delicious, hearty, and filling vegan dishes.
We’re Greek Orthodox, so we eat a lot of vegan food when fasting – and beans are one of our favorite go-tos for their hearty flavor, fiber, and protein. It can get old eating beans all lent – so I’m always looking for easy recipes that are packed with flavor – and this dish delivers, big time!
I’m taking a few cans of butter beans and adding tons of oregano and olive oil flavor – staples in my favorite Greek foods, and quickly sauteeing it for a delicious, easy side dish. While this is a similar recipe to Greek Gigantes Plaki Beans, it is a more simplified recipe intended to get a ton of flavor, fast.
This recipe might be vegan, but it is designed to have a ton of flavor to keep meat eaters happy, too. It’s simple to prepare and doesn’t take a ton of time to cook – so it can be made any night of the week – and is incredibly budget-friendly.
We hope you love this recipe as much as my family does!
How to Make Garlic Oregano Butter Beans
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing and enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
- White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth through caramelization.
- Fresh Greek Oregano: Brings robust, earthy, and citrusy herbaceous notes.
- Dried Italian Herbs: Offers a warm, balanced blend of complementary herbal flavors.
- Garlic: Infuses pungent, savory, and aromatic complexity.
- Butter Beans: Delivers creamy texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
After you gather your ingredients, we will use the following method:
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced white onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh oregano, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the butter beans: Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beans with the aromatic mixture.
- Cook and meld flavors: Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to combine and the beans to warm through.
- Adjust seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish, on toast, or as part of a main meal. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Hearty Butter Beans
Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key flavor component, opt for extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity taste.
Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor: While dried oregano can work in a pinch, fresh Greek oregano brings a more vibrant and authentic flavor to the dish.
Caramelize the Onions: Allow the onions to cook until golden for added sweetness and depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Adjust Garlic to Taste: If you love garlic, add more! For a milder flavor, roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, nutty taste.
Warm the Beans Gently: Butter beans are delicate and can break apart easily. Stir them gently to keep their creamy texture intact.
Add a Zing: Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, tangy contrast to the earthy flavors.
Make It a Meal: Serve the butter beans over crusty bread, alongside roasted vegetables, or as a topping for rice or quinoa.
Optional Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat or smokiness.
Consistency Matters: If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of vegetable stock or water while simmering to keep the beans moist and flavorful.
Garnish for Extra Appeal: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute fresh oregano with dried oregano. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to replace 1 tablespoon of fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Absolutely! Soak dried butter beans overnight, then cook them until tender before using. This takes more time but offers a fresher, creamier texture.
If you don’t have Greek oregano, try thyme, rosemary, or basil. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these herbs have different flavor profiles.
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or stock to prevent drying.
Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Certainly! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers pair wonderfully with this dish. Add them during the cooking process for a more complex meal.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili powder when sautéing the garlic and herbs for a subtle kick.
Serve as a side to roasted meats, grilled fish, or crusty bread. It also pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free! Just ensure any additional ingredients you use (like stock if you want more liquid) meet these dietary needs.
You can substitute with cannellini beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
What to Serve With Butter Beans
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Garlic Oregano Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh Greek oregano, chopped (about 3 large sprigs)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian Herbs
- 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced white onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh oregano, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the butter beans: Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beans with the aromatic mixture.
- Cook and meld flavors: Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to combine and the beans to warm through.
- Adjust seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish, on toast, or as part of a main meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
