Lemon-Dill Butter Beans and Sugar Snap Peas
This vibrant and wholesome side dish combines creamy butter beans and crunchy sugar snap peas, enhanced with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and the briny flavor of capers. The addition of dill adds a lovely herbaceous note, making it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite proteins or a delicious stand-alone vegetarian dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is not just easy to make but also a nutritional powerhouse. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and feel free to substitute with fresh French beans for variation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter Beans
300 g (drained and rinsed)
Sugar Snap Peas
200 g (trimmed and rinsed)
Tiny Capers
2 tablespoons (drained and chopped if large)
Lemon Juice
60 ml (freshly squeezed)
Fresh Dill
2 tablespoons (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the beans and sugar snap peas by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water.
2
Choose your cooking method: boil, steam, or microwave the butter beans and sugar snap peas separately until they are just tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes for beans and 3-4 minutes for peas. Drain and set aside.
3
In a non-stick skillet, spray a light coating of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the drained capers to the pan and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4
Reduce the heat to low, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan. Stir in the cooked beans and sugar snap peas, allowing them to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the coarsely chopped fresh dill, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
6
Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your refreshing, healthy side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Lemon-Dill Butter Beans and Sugar Snap Peas?
The main ingredients are 300g of butter beans, 200g of sugar snap peas, 2 tablespoons of tiny capers, 60ml of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh dill.
Is this butter bean recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly as it uses olive oil and vegetable-based ingredients.
How should I prepare the butter beans for this dish?
The butter beans should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water and then cooked by boiling, steaming, or microwaving until tender but still crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Can I substitute sugar snap peas with something else?
Yes, you can substitute sugar snap peas with fresh French beans if you prefer a different variation.
How do I make the capers crispy?
To make the capers crispy, heat a light coating of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sauté the drained capers for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown.
What does the dill add to the recipe?
Fresh dill adds a lovely herbaceous note that complements the brightness of the lemon and the brininess of the capers.
Can this dish be served cold?
Absolutely! This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different meals.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 60ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice to provide a zesty brightness.
Is this recipe considered low fat?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as low fat and uses only a light coating of olive oil for sautéing.
Can I use canned butter beans?
Yes, canned butter beans work perfectly; just ensure they are drained and rinsed thoroughly before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the sugar snap peas?
Sugar snap peas take about 3-4 minutes to cook until they are tender yet still maintain a crunch.
What is the best cooking method for the vegetables?
You can choose to boil, steam, or microwave the beans and peas separately according to your preference.
When should I add the fresh dill?
The dill should be gently folded in after the skillet has been removed from the heat to preserve its fresh flavor.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
While fresh dill is recommended for its herbaceous note, you can use dried dill, though you should reduce the amount by about two-thirds as it is more concentrated.
What should I do if my capers are large?
If your capers are large rather than tiny, it is recommended to chop them before sautéing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What makes this dish a nutritional powerhouse?
It combines protein-rich butter beans with fiber-packed sugar snap peas and vitamin-C-rich lemon juice.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prep as it holds up well and can be eaten at various temperatures.
What protein does this side dish pair well with?
It pairs beautifully with fish, roasted chicken, or tofu for a complete healthy meal.
Do I need to peel the sugar snap peas?
No, you just need to trim the ends and rinse them thoroughly before cooking.
How do I avoid overcooking the vegetables?
Monitor them closely and cook only until they are just tender; they should still have a slight crunch or 'snap'.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A non-stick skillet is recommended to allow for even sautéing with minimal oil.
Is there a specific heat level for warming the beans and peas?
You should reduce the heat to low when adding the lemon juice and vegetables to the skillet.
Can I add other herbs to this dish?
Yes, while dill is the primary herb, parsley or chives could also complement the lemon and caper flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, sautéing a little minced garlic with the capers would add another layer of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for weight loss?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-fat, and fiber-rich vegetable side dish that fits well into most weight-management plans.
How many grams of butter beans are needed?
You will need 300 grams of butter beans for this recipe.
What is the role of the capers?
Capers provide a briny, salty pop of flavor that balances the creaminess of the beans.
Is it necessary to rinse the beans?
Yes, rinsing helps remove excess sodium and starch from the canning liquid, ensuring a cleaner flavor.