Savory Garlic Infused White Beans
This delightful bean dish is a reinvention of the classic white beans recipe, emphasizing rich flavors and aromatic herbs. Ideal as both a hearty main or an accompaniment to grilled meats, these beans are a must-try for any meal. The dish is designed to be flexible, allowing for both presoaked dried beans for quicker prep or canned beans for convenience. The result is a savory, satisfying dish with a simple preparation that heightens the natural creaminess of white beans with the earthy essence of sage and garlic. Serve it fresh or enjoy reheated leftovers all week.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried white beans
1/2 lb (rinsed and picked over)
cannellini beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (if using canned instead of dried)
fresh sage
1 tablespoon (minced)
dried sage
1/2 teaspoon (to taste, if fresh sage not available)
salt
to taste (as needed during cooking)
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked preferred)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (to taste)
Instructions
1
If using dried beans, soak them in water for several hours or overnight. Drain them before cooking.
2
Place the drained beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water. For canned beans, rinse and use less water.
3
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
4
Add the fresh or dried sage and partially cover the pot.
5
Simmer the beans, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour for dried beans, or until tender.
6
Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a bit of black pepper.
7
Continue cooking for another 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring the beans are soft and the flavors meld.
8
If the beans are too soupy, increase heat slightly to reduce excess liquid, stirring frequently.
9
Add the minced garlic and allow the flavors to combine for another 5 minutes.
10
Stir in the olive oil, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
11
Serve immediately, or cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to a month if covered with water.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Garlic Infused White Beans?
This dish is a flavorful reinvention of classic white beans featuring aromatic herbs like sage and fresh garlic for a creamy, savory experience.
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the dried beans with one 14.5-ounce can of cannellini beans for a quicker preparation.
How long should I soak the dried beans?
Dried beans should be soaked in water for several hours or preferably overnight before draining and cooking.
What is the best way to prepare dried beans before cooking?
You should rinse them thoroughly and pick over them to remove any debris or small stones.
Can I use dried sage if I do not have fresh sage?
Yes, if fresh sage is unavailable, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage as a substitute.
How long does it take to cook the dried beans until tender?
After soaking, it usually takes about 1 hour of simmering, plus an additional 15 to 30 minutes for the flavors to fully meld.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to provide a rich, infused flavor.
When should the garlic be added?
Add the minced garlic during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure its flavor combines well without becoming bitter.
What should I do if the beans are too soupy?
Increase the heat slightly and stir frequently to help reduce the excess liquid to your desired consistency.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Can I freeze the leftover beans?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to a month if they are covered with water in a sealed container.
How long can I store these beans in the refrigerator?
The beans can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What type of oil is recommended for finishing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and to enhance the creaminess of the beans.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely, these beans are hearty enough to be served as a main dish or as a side for grilled meats.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
The recipe suggests partially covering the pot during the simmering process.
What is the purpose of adding sage?
Sage provides an earthy essence that heightens the natural creaminess and flavor profile of the white beans.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste the dish at the end and adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference.
What type of white beans work best?
Dried white beans or cannellini beans are the best choices for achieving the intended texture and flavor.
Do I need to rinse canned beans?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse canned beans before use to remove excess sodium and starch.
How much water do I use for canned beans?
When using canned beans, use less water than you would for dried beans since they are already cooked.
Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?
While fresh garlic is preferred for the best aroma, pre-minced garlic can be used for convenience.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes, you can experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme if you want a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the beans are finished cooking?
The beans are done when they are soft, tender, and the liquid has thickened to your liking.
Does this recipe require any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed other than a large pot for simmering.
Is this a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, because it stores well in the fridge and freezer, it is excellent for preparing in advance.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Stirring in olive oil at the end adds a silky mouthfeel and helps the flavors meld together.
Can I use black beans instead?
While the flavor profile is designed for white beans, the technique can be applied to other legumes, though the taste will vary.
Should I boil the beans for the entire time?
No, you should bring the pot to a boil initially and then reduce it to a simmer to cook the beans gently.