Sautéed White Beans with Tomatoes & Garlic
White beans sautéed with fresh garlic, herbs, and ripe tomatoes is a flavorful, healthy side dish that perfectly complements your favorite protein. Sautéed White Beans with Tomatoes & Garlic is Mediterranean Diet-friendly and ready in under 20 minutes!
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Sautéed White Beans with Tomatoes & Garlic is a perfect recipe for the seasonal transition that we’re in right now.
There are still lots of ripe, summer tomatoes, and at the same time, with fall around the corner bringing cooler evenings, I’m starting to crave some warm, comfort foods.
A couple months ago, my and husband and I made a conscious decision to eat healthier.
Specifically, we’ve adopted some of the philosophies of the Mediterranean Diet.
Some of the changes we’re working on are:
- Olive oil instead of butter
- More whole grains instead of simple carbs
- I switched to pasta made from chickpeas or lentils
- Replaced a lot of beef with either seafood or chicken
- Ditched sourdough and moved to whole wheat bread
- We’ve increased vegetables, fruits, and legumes
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For inspiration in creating meals around the Mediterranean Diet principles, I ordered a cookbook called, The Complete Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: 1000 Easy, Flavorful Recipes to Embrace Lifelong Health.
It is filled with great recipes to help someone get off to a good start.
This white bean recipe is adapted from one of the recipes in the cookbook above.
I changed it to suit my tastes, and I think it’s such a fabulous side! It’s quick to make, delicious, inexpensive, and so good for you!
Ingredients needed for this recipe (scroll down to recipe card for complete recipe):
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh tomato
- Dried thyme
- Canned white beans
- Vegetable broth or water
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley
Another wonderful recipe for Mediterranean white beans is this white bean salad!
What kind of white beans can you use?
I’ve made Sautéed White Beans with both lima beans (aka butter beans) and cannellini beans and thoroughly enjoyed each version.
I say if there’s a white bean that you love, go for it and use it in this recipe!
How do you serve Mediterranean white beans?
I like to serve these beans as a side dish to grilled or roasted chicken or sautéed shrimp.
They’re also a nice addition to Mediterranean-style bowls with arugula or spinach layered with chicken and roasted veggies. Yum!
How long are cooked beans good for?
Store leftover beans in a non-metal, air-tight container in the refrigerator and use withing 3-4 days.
Looking for more Mediterranean Diet-friendly recipes? Here are some favorites:
- Mediterranean Arugula Quinoa Salad
- Chickpea Cauliflower Curry
- Greek Chopped Vegetable Salad
- Spicy Chipotle Hummus
- Healthy Mediterranean Hummus Veggie Wraps
- Mediterranean Balela Salad (shown below)
NOTES:
- I would not replace the chopped fresh tomato with canned diced tomatoes. This recipe is all about the freshness of ripe, fresh tomatoes and their texture.
Sautéed White Beans with Tomatoes & Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 15oz. can of white beans (cannellini beans, lima beans) drained
- 3 tbsp. vegetable broth or water
- salt & pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add olive oil and garlic to a small sauce pan. Stirring frequently, sauté for 1-2 minutes, then add the chopped tomato and thyme. Sauté over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, then add the beans and broth/water.
- Cook everything for 3-4 more minutes, and taste for needed salt & pepper. With a fork, mash a little bit of the beans. We don't want mush, but by mashing a little bit of the beans, and keeping the majority of beans whole, it thickens the liquids and produces a wonderful texture. Serve warm and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Rate it and let me know in the comments below! ♥
I also have a fun Facebook group for us foodies to share recipes and talk about food. I’d love to have you! Request to join HERE. Cheers!
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I do cook these beans too! They are so simple yet so satisfying and healthy!
going to make this today, I’m all over beans and this look and reads pure deliciousness. Thank you
Enjoy, Brenda! It’s delicious and healthy, win-win ;)