Brothy Beans Recipe
I have always said that some of the most humble foods are the best foods. Case in point these Brothy Beans. Looking for a Cannellini Beans recipe? You have to give this scrumptious recipe a try!
Since Marlow & Son's created their version of Brothy Beans about 6 -7 years ago, dozens of variations have popped up on social media. All of the people who I have had try this Brothy Beans Recipe have been left rather shocked at how much they like them! It's a humble yet super flavorful side dish or light meal. It has such wonderful flavor, and its comforting. Truly like a warm hug. If food could actually hug you, this is the one that would.
Looking for a white beans recipe? This simple dish of beans and broth screams for a nice hunk of crusty bread for dipping. The combination is pure magic!
If you enjoy recipes with beans, give this Eggs & Black Beans & Tomatoes a try, it is another flavor bomb, great for breakfast or dinner. A delicious breakfast or light meal. Also this White Bean & Tomato Bruchetta is another favorite!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Brothy Beans
- Fresh Ingredients - onion, garlic, basil, thyme, lemon, Parmesan cheese, crusty loaf of bread such as French, sourdough, ciabatta or focaccia
- Pantry Staples - olive or avocado oil, red pepper flakes, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, S&P
- Optional Add Ins - kale, fresh baby spinach, beet tops, radish leaves, sun dried tomatoes, etc.
Variations
- While I enjoy making this recipe with cannellini beans best, you can swap to a similar style bean (butter, lima, pinto or use two types of beans.
- If you have extra time start with dried beans. I usually used canned and it's delicious.
- You can add in spinach, swiss chard, beet tops, radish tops, dandelion, ramps etc. Any leafy green similar works and gives extra depth and flavor. Kale or collards would need cooking before adding since they are more fibrous and take some time to break down to be enjoyable.
- If cheese is an issue, leave it out.
- Add in fresh basil in place of greens. It's simple yet wonderful.
- If you want some meat flavor, you can always top with crisp crumbled bacon or pancetta.
Tips
- Have fun with these beans. The base flavor and ingredients talked about here are wonderful, however make these your own. Adding different fresh herbs will give this cannellini beans recipe a slightly different flavor. Same goes with adding leafy greens, as suggested above, or not.
- Say yes to a hunk of crusty bread! This white beans recipe is made for scooping some up with a hunk of bread, it's amazing!
- If not adding spinach (or similar green) to these Brothy Beans, definitely add in a handful of fresh basil that has been cut into ribbons, its so flavorful and goes so well.
Whether you choose to make this Brothy Beans Recipe simple or with added greens, it's wonderful! And it's good left over as well!
Other recipes with beans to try
Colleen Kennedy is the author of 3 cookbooks and has appeared on QVC and other shows inspiring home cooks of all levels. She has a successful TikTok channel (@Colleen'sCooking). Colleen lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and kids, she started this food blog in 2009.
Brothy Beans
Ingredients
- 2 TBS avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup onions I prefer sweet / Vidalia onions
- 2 cloves fresh garlic or 3-4 cloves if you really like garlic (yum)
- salt & black pepper to taste however don't be shy with the black pepper
- red pepper flakes to taste
- 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans cans come between 15-16 oz typically you can use the whole can
- 16 oz vegetable stock 2 cups
- Parmesan rind (if you have one)
- a small of sprigs of fresh thyme tied in a small bundle (optional)
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach or similar above-mentioned variations as much or as little as desired. chop off any thick stems
- squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese more or less to your taste
Instructions
- In a skillet with 2 inch or so deep sides, heat your oil and onions. Sauté onions for a few minutes, just until transparent. Add in garlic, black pepper and red pepper flakes and sauté another minute.
- Add you drained and rinsed beans and stir until incorporated.
- Add in stock, Parmesan rind, and fresh thyme if using. Bring to a simmer and then lower heat to just a soft simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adding additional broth if you feel its necessary.
- Remove from heat and remove rind if it has not melted away. Remove thyme bundle (if using) and discard.
- Add in spinach or basil or greens of your choice. Stirring to combine. IF adding a more robust green other than spinach, add it earlier to allow it co cook while mixture simmers.
- Add in shredded Parmesan and additional black pepper. Taste for saltiness and add salt if cheese has not added enough salt flavor for your taste.
- Serve in a bowl alongside cursty bread. Garnish with basil ribbons and/or additional shredded Parmesan & red pepper flakes and enjoy!
