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Overhead shot of French Onion White Beans in a pan, served with a slice of toasted bread.

French Onion White Beans

A simple and flavorful dish featuring tender white beans simmered in a rich, savory broth with caramelized onions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French

Ingredients
  

For the Beans
For Garnish (Optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, you can caramelize the onions for a longer period, up to 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. This dish is excellent served with crusty bread.