There’s something almost magical about a dish that comes together with such simplicity yet delivers a punch of comfort and flavor. This Easy Creamy White Bean Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly day, with its velvety texture and rich taste. I stumbled upon this gem while rummaging through my pantry, and it’s quickly become a household favorite—perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty but can’t be bothered with a complex recipe.
Steps
- Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves, stirring regularly until they turn a light golden color.
- Pour in two drained cans of cannellini beans along with ½ cup of water. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper, and ½ teaspoon of cumin, mixing everything together.
- Introduce 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, cooking for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture is heated through.
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley, ¼ to 1/3 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of grated Pecorino Romano, and the juice from half a lemon, combining thoroughly.
- Finish by drizzling a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the dish. Serve immediately, paired with pita or your favorite crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Two 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ to 1/3 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup of grated Pecorino Romano
- Juice from half a lemon
FAQ
- Can I use dry white beans instead of canned ones for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use dry white beans. Start with 1 ½ cups of dry beans and soak them in water for at least 8 hours. Once soaked, drain and rinse the beans, then simmer them in water until they are tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
- What types of white beans can I use other than cannellini beans?
- You can use other white beans such as butter beans, great northern beans, or navy beans. Each type will bring a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will all work well in this dish.
- How should I store leftovers of this dish?
- Store the garlic parmesan white beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a small amount of water to restore the desired consistency if the beans have dried out.
- What can I serve with these creamy white beans?
- These beans are delicious when paired with pita bread or any crusty bread of your choice. A fresh salad can also complement the meal, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy beans.
- Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?
- Certainly! The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 cloves of minced garlic, but you can adjust this to your taste preference, adding more or less depending on how much garlic flavor you enjoy.
Tips
- Experiment with Bean Varieties: While the recipe calls for canned cannellini beans, feel free to substitute with other white beans like butter beans or great northern beans to explore subtle differences in taste and texture.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Adding freshly chopped parsley at the end of cooking not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the dish with vibrant color and freshness.
- Adjust Garlic to Taste: The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 cloves of minced garlic, but you can adjust this amount to suit your personal preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- Optimize Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a small splash of water to help restore the dish’s creamy consistency.
Equipment
- Minute Garlic Parmesan White Beans, here are the main equipment items you might need to purchase that you may not typically have at home:
- Large Pan – A quality large pan for sautéing and cooking the beans and other ingredients.
