Ah, white beans—those humble little powerhouses of nutrition. Imagine a bowlful that’s been soaking up flavors like a sponge, ready to burst with every bite. Honestly, if you told me a year ago I’d be waxing poetic about beans, I’d have laughed. But here we are, about to transform these legumes into a side dish that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater on a crisp fall day.
Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, diced shallot, minced garlic, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until well combined.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans, along with chopped parsley and oregano, tossing everything gently to ensure the beans are well coated.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
- Before serving, let the marinated beans come to room temperature, then decide whether to enjoy them on their own, on toast, mixed with grains, or as a salad topping.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- Finely grated zest from 1 medium lemon
- Juice from 1 medium lemon
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced (approximately 1/4 cup)
- 1 clove of garlic, grated or finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, with additional salt as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cans of cannellini beans (each 15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh oregano leaves, chopped
FAQ
- Can I prepare the marinated white beans in advance?
- Yes, these beans actually improve in flavor over time. You can prepare them up to two days ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them.
- How should I serve these marinated white beans?
- The beans are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, served on toast, mixed with cooked grains, or as a topping for salads. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats.
- How long will the marinated white beans last in the fridge?
- Once prepared and stored in an airtight container, these beans will last up to three days in the refrigerator.
- What can I do if the beans taste a bit bland?
- If you find the beans need more flavor, simply adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a bit more lemon juice to enhance their taste.
- Can I use a different type of bean for this recipe?
- While the recipe calls for cannellini beans, you can experiment with other types of white beans if preferred. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed before marinating.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: This dish improves with time, so consider making it up to two days ahead to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the marinated beans on toast, with grains, or as a salad topping for a variety of meals.
- Storage Tip: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Room Temperature Serving: Allow the beans to reach room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor profile.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – Useful for combining and marinating the ingredients.
- Whisk – Needed for whisking the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper together.
- Microplane or Zester – For finely grating the zest of the lemon.
- Garlic Press or Grater – For mincing or grating the garlic.
- Airtight Storage Container – For storing leftovers in the refrigerator.
