Country French White Beans

Warm, hearty, and full of rustic charm, this Country French White Beans recipe is a comforting dish that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. Featuring creamy dried cannellini or great northern beans simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables, fragrant herbs like fresh thyme, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish is a true homage to French countryside cooking. Cooked in vegetable broth or chicken stock, the beans take on a rich and savory depth, while a finishing splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Perfect as a main course or a cozy side dish, these tender white beans pair beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. With minimal prep and a low, slow simmer, this recipe is ideal for when you crave a nourishing meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Nutriscore Rating: 88/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried cannellini beans or great northern beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 large celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold water and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before using.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or chicken stock), bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and creamy. Check occasionally and add extra broth or water if needed to keep the beans submerged.

Step 6

Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2258.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1813.8

Total Fat 33.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5802.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 289.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 112.6g	0%
Total Sugars 28.1g
Protein 101.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 579.2mg	0%
Iron 31.5mg	0%
Potassium 6434.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.0%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 62.1%