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Beans Parmesan

Beans Parmesan

Beans Parmesan is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining tender white beans with savory tomato sauce and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, this comforting meal features simple pantry staples, is nutritious and filling, and can be easily adapted for dietary preferences or seasonal variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute, to build a flavorful foundation.
  2. Add tomato sauce and seasoning: Pour in your tomato sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken and develop deep flavors.
  3. Stir in the beans: Drain and rinse your white beans before adding them to the skillet. Gently fold them into the sauce, allowing them to warm through and soak in the tangy tomato essence.
  4. Add cheese and herbs: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the beans. Toss in chopped fresh basil or parsley, then cover the pan for a minute so the cheese melts slightly into the warm beans.
  5. Serve warm: Dish out your Beans Parmesan into bowls or plates. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top for shine and extra richness if desired.

Notes

  • Use quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and flavors the dish more richly than pre-grated options.
  • Don’t overcook beans: Keep them just tender to prevent them from falling apart in the sauce.
  • Balance seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper to ensure the dish isn’t bland.
  • Add herbs last: Preserves their bright color and flavor without wilting.
  • Try homemade sauce: A simple fresh tomato sauce enhances freshness if you want to skip canned versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: beans parmesan, white beans, Italian comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free