Warm up with these French Onion White Beans! This dish combines creamy white beans with sweet caramelized onions, making it both hearty and comforting.
Oh boy, the smell of onions cooking is pure happiness! I love serving this dish with crusty bread for dipping—it’s a combo that just feels like a cozy hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect here because they caramelize beautifully, bringing out a sweet flavor. If you’re out of yellow onions, sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions can work in a pinch.
White Beans: Cannellini beans are my favorite for their creamy texture, but navy beans or great northern beans are great alternatives. You could also use dried beans—just soak and cook them first.
Broth: Vegetable broth adds a nice flavor, but if you’re not vegan, chicken broth will give it a richer taste. You can also use homemade broth for an extra touch!
White Wine: If you want to skip the wine, extra broth works just fine. Lemon juice works too, adding a bit of brightness to the flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions transforms their flavor, but it takes patience. Start by heating your pan to medium. Add your oil or butter, then toss in your onions.
- Cook on medium for the first 10 minutes until they’re soft.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let them cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick.
- Add sugar halfway through to enhance sweetness. Keep a close eye until they turn golden brown!
This process is key for achieving a deep, rich flavor that will elevate your dish! Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
How to Make French Onion White Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Broth and Beans:
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, or use extra broth)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- French bread slices
- Grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for bread topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45 minutes to cook. The dish is best served hot and is perfect for cozy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once heated, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them gently until they are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. This step starts to unlock their natural sweetness!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the onions for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become deeply caramelized and golden brown. About halfway through, sprinkle in the sugar to help with the caramelization process.
3. Add Garlic and Flour:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce for about 3-4 minutes, which enhances the flavor of the dish.
5. Combine Broth and Beans:
Add the broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the white beans and thyme, cooking gently for about 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Prepare the Bread:
While the beans are simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange slices of French bread on a baking sheet. If you like cheese, sprinkle grated Gruyère or Swiss on top of the bread slices. Broil until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the French Onion White Beans hot, garnished with fresh thyme, alongside the toasted bread slices. It’s a perfect hearty meal that captures all the wonderful flavors of French onion soup with creamy white beans!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are a favorite for their creaminess, you can easily substitute them with navy beans or great northern beans. Dried beans work too, but make sure to soak and cook them beforehand.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, just replace the butter with olive oil and ensure you are using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for the bread if desired!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the mixture if it thickens.
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions and prepare the broth and beans in advance. Just combine them and heat through when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep!
