Creamy White Beans with Parmesan and Lemon – A Cozy Comfort Dish
🎉 Introduction
Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy White Beans with Parmesan and Lemon. This dish features tender white beans simmered to perfection in savory chicken stock, infused with delightful herbs, and finished with a zesty squeeze of fresh lemon. The addition of parmesan rind enriches the broth, creating a creamy texture that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish to impress your guests, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also packed with flavor. Get ready to warm your soul with every spoonful!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Zester or grater
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or great northern)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 piece parmesan rind (about 2 inches)
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Rinse the dried white beans under cold water and place them in a large mixing bowl. Cover with water and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 2: After soaking, drain the beans using a colander and set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the drained beans to the saucepan, along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and the piece of parmesan rind. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the beans to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.
Step 6: Stir occasionally, checking the beans for doneness. If needed, add more chicken broth or water to keep the beans submerged.
Step 7: Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve the creamy white beans in bowls, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover creamy white beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
🥄 Variations
- Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Include diced carrots or celery for a heartier texture.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use canned white beans. Just skip the soaking and cooking time, and add them to the saucepan with the broth and other ingredients, simmering for about 20-30 minutes.
Q: What if I can’t find parmesan rind?
A: If you can’t find parmesan rind, you can omit it and add a bit more grated parmesan cheese when serving for a similar flavor.
Q: How can I make this dish vegan?
A: You can make this dish vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting the parmesan cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover creamy white beans?
A: Yes, you can freeze the creamy white beans. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Q: What type of beans work best for this recipe?
A: Cannellini or great northern beans are the best choices due to their creamy texture and flavor.
Q: Can I add meat to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein and flavor.
Q: What can I serve with creamy white beans?
A: These beans pair well with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled vegetables.
Q: How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
A: The beans are done cooking when they are tender and can be easily mashed with a fork or spoon.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products.
Q: How can I enhance the flavor of this dish?
A: You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or using a splash of white wine vinegar when serving.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy White Beans with Parmesan and Lemon is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s a recipe that promises to delight your taste buds and nourish your soul. Enjoy making this easy yet delicious dish, and don’t hesitate to explore the variations to make it your own!
Creamy White Beans with Parmesan and Lemon – A Cozy Comfort Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the dried white beans under cold water and place them in a large mixing bowl. Cover with water and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- After soaking, drain the beans using a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the drained beans to the saucepan, along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and the piece of parmesan rind. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the beans to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.
- Stir occasionally, checking the beans for doneness. If needed, add more chicken broth or water to keep the beans submerged.
- Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy white beans in bowls, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
Store any leftover creamy white beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick. Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Include diced carrots or celery for a heartier texture.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
