Around the Table with Jolene: Plate It Up with a Marry Me Beans Recipe - 7/21/25

queso fresco

🥗Healthier: feta cheese

💰Cheaper: shredded cheddar

Feta provides a similar tangy flavor, while cheddar is more affordable.

canned black beans

🥗Healthier: dried black beans

💰Cheaper: canned pinto beans

Dried beans are healthier but require more prep time; pinto beans are often cheaper.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: banana pepper

💰Cheaper: green bell pepper

Both alternatives provide mild heat and flavor.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: fresh lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice adds acidity; vinegar is more cost-effective.

Heat the oil in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until sizzling and aromatic, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir.

Add the beans and roughly mash about 1/4 of the mixture with a potato masher or back of a wooden spoon.

Stir in the broth, oregano, and salt.

Once the mixture is bubbling and heated through, reduce heat to low and add the cream, about 2/3 of the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

Stir until cheese is melted; add more salt and/or lemon juice if needed.

Top with a drizzle of additional sun-dried tomato oil, the remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley, if using.

Serve with bread.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens