Country French White Beans
Warm, hearty, and full of rustic charm, this Country French White Beans recipe is a comforting dish that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. Featuring creamy dried cannellini or great northern beans simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables, fragrant herbs like fresh thyme, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish is a true homage to French countryside cooking. Cooked in vegetable broth or chicken stock, the beans take on a rich and savory depth, while a finishing splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Perfect as a main course or a cozy side dish, these tender white beans pair beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. With minimal prep and a low, slow simmer, this recipe is ideal for when you crave a nourishing meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans or great northern beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 large celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before using.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or chicken stock), bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and creamy. Check occasionally and add extra broth or water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1814 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5802 mg | 252% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 289.0 g | 105% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 112.6 g | 402% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.1 g | ||
| Protein | 101.8 g | 204% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 579 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 31.5 mg | 175% | |
| Potassium | 6435 mg | 137% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
