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Simple Garlic and Herb White Beans

Quick and flavorful white beans infused with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile Mediterranean-style side dish works as an appetizer, main course base, or soup ingredient.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans 15 ounces each white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Can opener
  • Colander or fine-mesh strainer
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely on your cutting board.
  2. Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into your skillet over medium heat. Heat for about 1 minute until the oil shimmers slightly when you move the pan around.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the warm oil and stir constantly for about 60 seconds. Toast the garlic briefly to mellow its raw bite without browning it.
  4. If using red pepper flakes, add 1/2 teaspoon now and stir for 15 seconds to bloom them in the hot oil.
  5. Drain and rinse the canned white beans in a colander, then add them to the skillet.
  6. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and thyme, then pour in 1/4 cup broth.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans will absorb the flavored oil and broth.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don't skip rinsing the canned beans as it removes excess sodium and starchy liquid. Add lemon juice at the end so its brightness doesn't fade during cooking. For extra creaminess, mash a few beans against the side of the pan partway through cooking. Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.