Tuscan White Beans (Print Version)
Creamy Italian white beans simmered with aromatics and fresh herbs in olive oil for a hearty, comforting side dish.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Beans
01 - 2 cups dried cannellini beans or 3 cans 15 oz each drained and rinsed
02 - 6 cups water if using dried beans
→ Aromatics & Herbs
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves minced
06 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
07 - 4 fresh sage leaves
→ Liquids
08 - 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
# Directions:
01 - If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in garlic, rosemary, and sage. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the beans, broth, and if using dried beans, 6 cups fresh water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
05 - Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and creamy, about 30 to 40 minutes. Canned beans will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
06 - Remove rosemary and sage. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These humble beans transform into something luxurious with almost zero effort
- The leftovers keep getting better, making them perfect for meal prep or lazy next-day lunches
- You probably have everything in your pantry already, minus maybe fresh herbs
02 -
- I learned the hard way that adding salt at the end means bland beans—season throughout the cooking process
- That Parmesan rind trick from the notes is absolutely worth it if you have one stashed in your freezer
- These beans taste even better the next day, so dont stress about making too much
03 -
- Dont rush the simmer—low and slow is what makes the beans creamy instead of mushy
- Save some pasta water if youre serving these alongside pasta—its liquid gold for bringing everything together