Creamy Herb Garlic Cannellini Beans Sauté

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €2.18 · €0.36/serving

• 1/4 cup premium extra-virgin olive oil (use a high-quality oil for optimal taste)Est. price €0.40–€0.80
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (chop before adding to release oils)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 2 1/2 teaspoons flaky kosher salt (adjust to taste, as needed)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion (sauté until translucent for a sweeter flavor)Est. price €0.10–€0.25
• 2 teaspoons fragrant fennel seeds (lightly crush with a mortar and pestle for enhanced flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 1 1/2 cups dried cannellini beans (soak overnight before cooking for best results)Est. price €1.20–€2.00
• 1 sprig aromatic rosemary (strip leaves from stem before using)Est. price €0.20–€0.40
• 1 chile de árbol, crumbled (adjust amount based on desired heat level)Est. price €0.03–€0.08

Steps

1. 1

   In a small pan set over medium heat, toast the fennel seeds for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and turn golden brown. Transfer the toasted fennel seeds to a mortar and crush them coarsely.

2. 2

   Begin by heating a medium pot over high heat for 2 minutes. Add olive oil, rosemary sprig, and crumbled chile to the pot. Allow them to sizzle in the oil for approximately 1 minute. Introduce onion, thyme, and fennel seeds into the pot. Sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes until the onion is wilted.

3. 3

   Start by adding the beans to a pan and sautéing them briefly until they are well coated. Pour enough water into the pan so that the beans are covered by 3 inches, then bring it to a boil on high heat. Reduce the heat to low and place a paper towel over the beans to keep them submerged in the water. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally. After half an hour, season the beans with salt and continue simmering gently until they are soft, which should take around an hour. Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and allow the beans to cool in their cooking liquid. During cooking, add water if needed, ensuring that you maintain a slightly thick and starchy bean liquid as it will contribute significantly to the final broth's flavor and texture.

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• Cultural note

  Cannellini beans are a staple in Italian cuisine, often used in dishes like minestrone soup and pasta e fagioli. The blend of herbs and spices in this recipe reflects Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Italian cooking.

• Seasonal note

  This dish can be made year-round as the ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs are typically available in most seasons. However, fresh thyme and rosemary are best during the spring and summer months.

• Health note

  Creamy Herb Garlic Cannellini Beans Sauté is a nutritious dish high in fiber and plant-based protein from the cannellini beans. It also provides essential vitamins like A, C, and K, along with healthy fats from the olive oil.