Good Dried Beans
A hearty, flavorful bean stew with fresh vegetables, herbs, and olives, perfect for comforting meals and suited for those who enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. navy or Great Northern beans, washed and picked ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 stalk chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 chopped carrot ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
- 2 1/2 oz. black olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beans in a large pot with 12 cups of water.
- Add all ingredients except parsley and olives.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
- Five minutes before the beans are finished, add parsley, olives, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or diced ham for a smoky twist. If you don't have navy or Great Northern beans, white kidney beans work as a great substitute. Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time, but it's not necessary. For extra texture, try incorporating some diced zucchini or squash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beans hot over a bed of cooked white rice for a hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with a side of Rosemary Potatoes And Onions or a fresh salad. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider serving with Marinated Tomatoes And Mushrooms as a refreshing side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. They can also be reheated in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Dried Beans contains roughly 308 calories, with 17g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value), iron (146% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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, you can use canned beans for a quicker version. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing them to absorb the flavors without becoming too soft.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the best results.
What can I serve with these beans?
These beans are versatile and can be served alongside grilled meats or as a filling in tacos. For a lighter option, pair them with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
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).