Creamy Lemon Garlic White Beans Savory and Rich Dish

Welcome to a savory delight! Creamy Lemon Garlic White Beans are simple to make and bursting with flavor. This dish uses just a few ingredients and transforms them into a rich, comforting meal. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side, these beans will impress. Get ready to bring zesty lemon and savory garlic into your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover just how easy this can be!

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make creamy lemon garlic white beans, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

- 2 cups canned white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup vegetable broth

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

- Zest of 1 lemon

- Juice of 1 lemon

- 1/2 cup coconut cream (or heavy cream for non-vegan option)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

- Lemon wedges (for serving)

These ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy dish. The beans serve as the base, soaking up all the flavors. The garlic and lemon add a fresh touch. Olive oil gives a nice richness. Coconut cream makes it creamy, while thyme adds a hint of earthiness.

Feel free to explore with these ingredients. You can easily swap the type of beans or cream. Enjoy the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Sautéing garlic

Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. Brown garlic can taste bitter, and we want a nice, fresh flavor.

2. Adding beans and broth

Next, drain and rinse 2 cups of canned white beans, like cannellini or great northern. Add these beans to the skillet and stir gently. This helps coat them in that delicious garlic oil. Then, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and bring the mix to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the beans to soak up all the lovely flavors.

3. Incorporating cream and seasoning

Lower the heat to low. Now, stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup of coconut cream. If you’re not vegan, you can use heavy cream instead. Let this mixture simmer for another 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring until everything is creamy and well combined. After that, add the juice of 1 lemon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again and cook for one more minute. The dish is now creamy and rich, ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Texture and Flavor

To make your creamy lemon garlic white beans truly shine, follow these tips:

- Adjusting creaminess level: If you want a thicker dish, add more coconut cream. For a lighter version, use less. Start with half a cup, then adjust to your taste.

- Enhancing the garlic flavor: Fresh garlic gives the best taste. Sauté it just until fragrant. This step makes all the difference. If you love garlic, consider adding an extra clove.

- Balancing acidity with lemon: The lemon juice brightens the dish. Add it slowly and taste as you go. You may want more or less depending on your preference. The zest adds a nice aroma, so don’t skip it!

These tips help create a rich dish that bursts with flavor. Enjoy cooking!

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

For creamy lemon garlic white beans, you can switch ingredients to fit your needs.

Vegan vs. non-vegan options I use coconut cream for a vegan dish. If you prefer a non-vegan option, heavy cream works well too. Both add a rich, creamy texture.

Substitutes for vegetable broth If you don’t have vegetable broth, try water or chicken broth. You can also make a quick broth by boiling water with herbs. This adds flavor without needing store-bought broth.

Flavor enhancements (e.g., spices or herbs) Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or dill also work great. They give a fresh taste and a pop of color.

These options let you customize the dish to suit your taste.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your creamy lemon garlic white beans fresh, use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers help keep the beans moist and tasty.

You can store the beans in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. In the freezer, they last for about 3 months. Remember to let them cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals.

When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them on the stove over low heat. Stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to help them warm up evenly. You can also microwave them for a quick meal. Just cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until they are hot all the way through.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use dried beans instead? Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak, cook, and drain them. You need about 1 cup of dried beans for this recipe. Cook them until they are soft before adding them to your dish.

What is the best way to serve creamy lemon garlic white beans? Serve these beans in a shallow bowl. Drizzle some olive oil on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. This adds both color and flavor to your meal.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses vegetable broth and no wheat products. Always check the broth label to ensure it meets gluten-free standards. Enjoy this creamy dish without any worries!

You now know how to make creamy lemon garlic white beans. We covered the needed ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips for great flavor. You can also use fun variations to suit your taste. Storing leftovers is easy with the right containers and method. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy your cooking journey with this dish!