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Rich, hearty white beans simmered in a tomato, onion, and herb broth – perfect for dipping a crusty bread into or spooning over toast!
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White Beans in Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs
White Beans in Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs is a rustic and heartwarming dish that combines the comforting textures and flavors of creamy white beans with the rich, umami depth of tomatoes.
Steeped in a savory broth infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and perhaps a bay leaf, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly satisfying. The tomatoes offer a bright acidity and subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the earthy, soft beans.
This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty main, a fulfilling side, or even as a robust addition to salads and stews – but I love to spoon it over sourdough toast, letting the bread soak up all the rich flavor! If you let your beans cook down to soft, they can be spread across the bread for a hearty, easy vegan meal!
How to Make Brothy White Beans
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- 12oz cannellini beans, drained
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
After gathering your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Add the drained beans and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the broth. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check if more broth is needed, adding a bit of water if the beans are drying out.
- Adjust Seasonings: Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the brothy beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, or spoon over toasted bread.
- Enjoy: Dive into the rich, hearty flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Brothy White Beans
Soak the Beans: If using dried beans, soaking them overnight can reduce cooking time and make them more digestible.
Slow Cook for Flavor: Slow cooking the beans on a low simmer helps develop depth of flavor. Avoid boiling as it can break the beans apart.
Sauté Aromatics: Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft and translucent. This step builds a flavor foundation that will infuse the beans.
Quality of Broth: Use a good-quality broth, whether vegetable or chicken, as it contributes significantly to the overall taste of the dish.
Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary add classic, aromatic flavors. Fresh herbs can be used at the end of cooking for a brighter flavor.
Season at the End: Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent the beans from becoming tough.
Check for Doneness: Beans should be tender but not mushy. Cooking time can vary, so it’s best to check them regularly.
Acid at the End: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar added after cooking can brighten up the entire dish.
Consistency: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash some of the beans and stir them back in.
Resting Time: Let the beans sit off the heat for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley or other fresh herbs as a garnish add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Save the Bean Water: The cooking liquid is full of flavor. You can save it for soups or as a base for other dishes.
Cooking with Tomatoes: If your recipe includes tomatoes, add them after the beans are mostly cooked, as their acidity can prevent the beans from softening.
FAQs
Cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans are excellent choices. They hold their shape well and absorb flavors nicely.
Absolutely. While dried beans offer a certain depth of flavor, canned beans are a great time-saver. Just remember to rinse and drain them well.
You can mash a small portion of the beans and stir them back into the pot, or let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are classics. Fresh parsley or basil added at the end can bring a bright freshness.
Sure! Smoked sausage, bacon, or ham hocks can add a rich, smoky flavor.
It’s naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and ensuring any added ingredients like sausage are plant-based.
Stored in an airtight container, herbed brothy beans should last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Absolutely. After the initial sautéing step, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Don’t shy away from aromatics like garlic and onions, and consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice for extra zing.
What to Serve With Brothy White Beans
Crusty Bread or Baguette: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the beans with a side of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simple grilled chicken breast or a piece of fish like salmon or trout pairs nicely with the beans.
Sautéed Greens: Serve with a side of sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for a healthy and flavorful addition.
Rice or Quinoa: A bed of rice or quinoa can absorb the flavors of the brothy beans, making for a more filling meal.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the beans.
Pasta: Toss the beans with pasta like penne or fusilli for a heartier dish.
Polenta: Creamy polenta is a comforting base that pairs well with the savory flavors of the beans.
Garlic Toast or Crostini: These make great scooping devices and add a crunchy texture.
Roasted Potatoes: Herbed roasted potatoes can be a hearty and comforting addition.
Eggs: For a brunch twist, top the beans with a poached or fried egg.
Sausage or Bacon: Add cooked, sliced sausage or crumbled bacon to the beans for a meaty, flavorful dish.
Try these crusty breads:
Brothy White Beans Recipe
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Herbed Brothy White Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz cannellini beans drained
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the drained beans and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the broth. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check if more broth is needed, adding a bit of water if the beans are drying out.
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the brothy beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, or spoon over toasted bread.
- Dive into the rich, hearty flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
