Slow Cooked White Beans

Indulge in the comforting simplicity of Slow Cooked White Beans, a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or versatile meal prep. This recipe transforms humble dried white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, into a tender, flavorful delight by simmering them slowly with aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Infused with fresh thyme, a fragrant bay leaf, and a splash of bright lemon juice, these beans are irresistibly creamy and full of depth. Whether you enjoy them as a protein-packed side dish or pair them with crusty bread for a satisfying main course, these slow-cooked beans are a wholesome, plant-based centerpiece to savor. With make-ahead convenience and just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a must-try for fans of comforting, slow-cooker meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 1 large carrot
• 1 large celery stalk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried white beans thoroughly under cold running water and pick out any debris or discolored beans. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water, making sure the water covers the beans by at least 2 inches. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Peel and dice the carrot. Chop the celery into small pieces.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the soaked and drained white beans, vegetable broth (or water), bay leaf, and thyme sprigs.

Step 5

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart.

Step 6

Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7

Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish, or enjoy as a main course with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2179.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1795.1

Total Fat 32.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5713.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 282.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 68.9g	0%
Total Sugars 24.4g
Protein 100.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 769.0mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 8401.4mg	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: 22.1%

Carbs: 62.0%