10+ White Bean Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals

White beans are a versatile and healthy ingredient that can enhance many dishes. With their creamy texture and mild flavor, they can be used in soups, salads, and side dishes. Incorporating white beans into your meals not only adds delicious taste but also boosts protein and fiber content.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, there are plenty of easy recipes to explore. White beans can be prepared in many ways, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Let’s dive into some tasty ideas that will inspire you to include these nutritious legumes in your cooking.

1) Garlic Parmesan White Beans

Garlic Parmesan white beans are easy and quick to make. You can whip this dish up in just 15 minutes. This recipe uses canned cannellini beans, which saves you time.

To make this dish, you’ll sauté garlic in olive oil. Then, add the beans and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

This dish is not only tasty, but it also makes a great side or a light meal. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up all the deliciousness.

Ingredients

• 2 cans cannellini beans
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the drained beans and cherry tomatoes.
4. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

2) Creamy White Beans with Leafy Greens

Creamy white beans with leafy greens make a warm and satisfying dish. You can prepare it quickly using just a few ingredients. This meal is great served with crusty bread for dipping.

Start by sautéing some garlic and olive oil in a pan. Add fresh leafy greens, like spinach or kale, and let them wilt. Mix in cooked white beans for a hearty base.

For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon juice or your favorite spices. This dish is healthy, filling, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can white beans (rinsed and drained)
• 2 cups leafy greens (spinach or kale)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in leafy greens and cook until wilted.
4. Add white beans and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Cook until heated through. Serve warm.

3) Escarole and Beans with Vegan Sausage

Escarole and beans with vegan sausage is a tasty and healthy dish. It combines the bold flavors of escarole with creamy white beans. The addition of vegan sausage makes it hearty and satisfying.

To start, you will want to wash the escarole well. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and blend well with the beans.

Use your favorite vegan sausage for this recipe. You can find many options in stores today. Cook the sausage according to package instructions before adding it to the mix.

For a delicious finish, season with garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve your dish warm for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 head escarole
• 1 can white beans
• 2 vegan sausages
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Wash and chop the escarole.
2. Cook the vegan sausage according to the package.
3. In a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add escarole and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in the beans and cooked sausage.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4) Lemon and Garlic White Beans

This dish brings together the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with creamy white beans. It’s simple to prepare and makes a great side or light meal.

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and minced garlic. Next, add the cooked white beans, lemon zest, and fresh rosemary. Toss everything to combine.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of white beans (cannellini or navy)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic.
2. Add the drained beans, lemon zest, and rosemary.
3. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

5) White Bean Soup with Crusty Bread

White bean soup is comforting and satisfying. It’s filled with creamy beans and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a delightful combination.

You can use cannellini or navy beans for a rich flavor. Adding kale or spinach boosts the soup’s health benefits. Don’t forget to season with garlic and herbs for extra taste.

The best part? You can make it in just one pot. After simmering, let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to blend beautifully.

Enjoy dipping your crusty bread into the warm, savory soup. It’s a perfect dish for any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz or about 425 g), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add kale or spinach and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in beans and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread.

6) One-Pot Brothy White Beans

One-pot brothy white beans are a tasty and simple dish. You can enjoy them on their own or serve them with rice or bread. The recipe has a mix of beans, herbs, and spices for great flavor.

To make this dish, start with dried white beans, like cannellini or navy beans. You will also add onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs. Don’t forget the lemon for a fresh touch.

The cooking time is about 1-2 hours, allowing the beans to get tender. The result is a warm, comforting bowl of beans in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried white beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the beans and soak them overnight.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add the soaked beans, broth, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 hours until the beans are tender.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.

7) Braised White Beans and Greens

Braised white beans and greens make a hearty dish that’s easy to prepare. This recipe is flavorful and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for a warm meal on a chilly day.

To get started, you’ll need to gather some basic ingredients. The beans create a creamy texture, and the greens add a fresh flavor. Cooking them together brings out the best tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups leafy greens (like kale or spinach)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-6 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the greens and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in the white beans and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

8) Simple White Bean and Vegetable Soup

This Simple White Bean and Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and tasty dish you can easily make at home. It brings together fresh vegetables and creamy white beans for a hearty meal.

Start with olive oil, chopped onions, and minced garlic to create a savory base. Add carrots and celery for extra flavor and nutrition.

Canned white beans, vegetable broth, and tomatoes complete the soup. Simmer everything together to let the flavors blend nicely. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add white beans, broth, and tomatoes.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

9) Spicy White Bean and Tomato Stew

This Spicy White Bean and Tomato Stew is perfect for a cozy dinner. It combines rich flavors with a kick of heat to warm you up. The main ingredients are white beans, tomatoes, and plenty of garlic.

You can customize the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Serve the stew with crusty bread for dipping. It’s satisfying and filling!

Ingredients

• 2 cans of white beans, drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes and beans, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

10) White Beans with Herbs and Bay Leaves

White beans with herbs and bay leaves make a tasty and comforting dish. You will enjoy the rich flavors that come from the simple ingredients. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will use fresh herbs and bay leaves, which add a wonderful aroma. They pair perfectly with the creamy texture of the white beans.

The cooking process is straightforward. After boiling your beans, combine them with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings. Then, let them simmer to blend the flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound white beans (dried)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the beans overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. In a pot, cover the beans with water, about 2 inches above.
4. Bring the beans to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and olive oil.
6. Cook for another 30 minutes on low heat.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.