French Onion White Beans is a warm and cozy dish that brings the rich taste of onion soup with protein-packed white beans. It’s a delightful mix of flavors that’s easy to make!
Honestly, I love how simple this dish is. Just sauté some onions, add the beans, and let them soak up all those good flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for this recipe as they caramelize beautifully and bring a rich sweetness. If you don’t have yellow onions, you can use white or red onions, though they may vary a bit in taste.
White Beans: Cannellini and great northern beans are my go-to options. If you’re looking for a change, navy beans or even chickpeas can work well too, just keep in mind the flavor profile will change a bit.
Broth: Vegetable broth is great for a lighter option, while beef broth offers a hearty depth. If you need it vegetarian or vegan, stick with vegetable broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce, or find a vegan variety!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you want to avoid it, you could use soy sauce or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different twist!
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience and low heat. Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a skillet. Here’s how to do it:
- Add the onions and stir to coat them in the oil.
- Cook them on low to medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After about 10 minutes, sprinkle the sugar and salt over the onions; this helps enhance their sweetness.
- Keep cooking until they turn golden brown and are fragrant.
Don’t rush this step! Properly caramelized onions make all the difference in flavor.
French Onion White Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or beef broth for richer flavor)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or great northern beans)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
For Serving:
- Crusty bread slices, toasted with olive oil and garlic
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and around 45 minutes total to cook. You’ll spend about 30-40 minutes caramelizing the onions, and then it’s just a matter of simmering everything together! It’s a lovely dish that’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Onions:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions. Stir them well to coat evenly in the oil.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Cook the onions slowly for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become golden brown and caramelized. After about 10 minutes, sprinkle the sugar and salt over them to enhance their sweetness and help with the caramelization.
3. Add Garlic:
After the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant. This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor!
4. (Optional) Thicken the Broth:
If you’d like a thicker broth, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir it in, cooking for 1-2 minutes. This will help is thicken up later.
5. Combine the Broth:
Pour in the vegetable (or beef) broth, stirring well to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—they add great flavor!
6. Add Beans and Seasoning:
Add the drained white beans, thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to combine.
7. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to warm through.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your dish and add extra salt or seasoning as needed to suit your preference!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the French Onion White Beans into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh thyme sprigs. This adds a lovely touch of color and flavor!
10. Enjoy with Bread:
Serve your French Onion White Beans hot, alongside slices of crusty bread that have been toasted and rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping!
Enjoy your comforting French Onion White Beans with rich, sweet caramelized onions paired with hearty white beans and a lovely crusty bread!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing, you can substitute white or red onions. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly; red onions will add a bit of sweetness, while white onions may be sharper.
How Can I Thicken the Dish Without Flour?
If you prefer to avoid flour, you can mash some of the white beans in the pot after they’re heated through. This will help create a thicker consistency naturally. Alternatively, let the dish simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the French Onion White Beans a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
