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Garlic Parmesan White Beans Recipe

4.9 from 141 reviews

A flavorful and comforting dish of garlic-infused cannellini beans cooked with aromatic spices, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and finished with a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Perfect as a side or a light main served with crusty bread or pita.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Vegetables

  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of half a lemon

Seasonings and Oils

  • Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tablespoons plus extra for finishing)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

Cheeses

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, warm 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly, tossing regularly, until the garlic is just golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  2. Add Beans and Seasonings: Add the drained cannellini beans and ½ cup of water to the pan. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and cumin. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Simmer: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and the flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
  4. Finish with Herbs, Cheese, and Lemon: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, shaved Parmesan cheese, grated Pecorino Romano, and the juice of half a lemon. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  5. Serve: Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil before serving. Enjoy immediately with pita bread or your favorite crusty bread.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning it to prevent bitterness.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the added water or cook a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.
  • Aleppo pepper adds a mild heat and fruity flavor; you can substitute with crushed red pepper flakes if unavailable.
  • For a vegetarian diet, ensure the cheeses used are free of animal rennet.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.

Keywords: garlic parmesan white beans, cannellini beans recipe, Mediterranean bean dish, garlic beans with cheese, easy vegetarian side dish