Awfully Good Beans
Awfully Good Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender navy beans simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and rich olive oil and butter, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick over the beans and rinse well.
- Cover the beans with water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Allow the beans to stand in the water, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Drain the beans and place them in a saucepan with water to cover.
- Simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender but not mushy, about 45 minutes.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a heavy saucepan.
- Add the cooked beans, herbs, tomatoes, salt, and white pepper.
- Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For creamier beans, you can add a splash of vegetable broth while cooking. If navy beans are unavailable, great northern beans make a suitable substitute. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a twist. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is also a great base for adding leftover meats or veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Awfully Good Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as a filling base for a vegetarian bowl topped with fresh greens. They pair beautifully with Sliced Herbed Potatoes for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, consider serving with a refreshing salad or alongside the Summer Coolness Delicious Dessert to finish the meal on a bright note.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a little water or broth if they seem dry. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Awfully Good Beans contains roughly 444 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, if you're short on time, you can use canned navy beans. Drain and rinse them before adding to the recipe. Reduce the cooking time to just a few minutes to meld the flavors, as canned beans are already cooked.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make the dish heartier, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, or even quinoa. This will enhance the protein content and add more texture. You can also mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
How can I adjust the flavor of the beans?
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic when sautéing the butter and olive oil. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).