recipes
Rosemary Infused Creamy White Beans: A Savory Winter Delight
Sure! Here’s a delectable recipe for Rosemary White Beans that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also nutritious and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy winter meal or a busy weeknight dinner. These creamy beans infused with the rich aroma of rosemary and savory bacon are sure to become a family favorite in no time! 🌿🥓
Rosemary White Beans Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried white beans
- 3/4 cup bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Begin by covering the dried white beans with cold water in a large bowl or pot, and let them soak overnight in the refrigerator. This step is essential for ensuring that the beans cook evenly and become tender.
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Cooking:
- In a large pot, heat the diced bacon over medium heat until the fat is rendered, and the bacon turns crispy, which should take approximately 8-10 minutes. The rendered bacon fat will impart a rich flavor to the beans.
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Saute Aromatics:
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the crispy bacon, and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma and flavor.
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Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and infuse its pungent taste into the dish.
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Simmer Beans:
- Pour in the chicken stock and water, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Drain the soaked white beans from their soaking liquid and add them to the pot.
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Cook Until Tender:
- Let the beans simmer over medium heat until they are soft and creamy, which typically takes about 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Adjust Consistency:
- At this stage, there should be just enough liquid in the pot to create a frothy texture. If necessary, you can adjust the consistency by turning up the heat to reduce the liquid slightly.
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Add Rosemary and Butter:
- Once the beans are tender, stir in the freshly chopped rosemary and unsalted butter, allowing them to meld into the creamy beans and infuse their aromatic flavors.
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Season to Perfection:
- Finally, season the Rosemary White Beans with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. The salt enhances the flavors of the dish, while the pepper adds a subtle kick.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the warm and comforting Rosemary White Beans into serving bowls, and garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired. These beans pair beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 307.7
- Fat: 10.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4g
- Cholesterol: 20.4mg
- Sodium: 297.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.8g
- Fiber: 8.1g
- Sugar: 3.8g
- Protein: 16.7g
Recipe Notes:
- Soaking Beans: Soaking the dried white beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce their cooking time, resulting in creamy and tender beans.
- Bacon Substitution: For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the bacon or replace it with smoked paprika or vegan bacon bits for a similar smoky flavor.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other herbs or spices such as thyme, sage, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Storage: Leftover Rosemary White Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Enjoy preparing and savoring these hearty Rosemary White Beans with your loved ones! 🍲🌿
