White Beans With Tomato, Basil And Parmesan
A flavorful, hearty dish of white beans cooked with tomato, fresh basil, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick main or side with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes or until lightly colored and fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked beans, chopped tomato, and minced basil. Cook for about 7 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. If you don't have navy beans, cannelini or great northern beans work well as substitutes. Fresh basil is ideal, but you can use dried basil in a pinch—just reduce the amount to one teaspoon. To make it more filling, serve it over cooked quinoa or alongside a side of Eggplant-Zucchini Casserole (Low-Fat).
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious both hot and at room temperature, making it a versatile option for meals. Serve it as a main dish or alongside a fresh Green Salad With Pine Nuts for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a side to grilled chicken or fish, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Beans With Tomato, Basil And Parmesan contains roughly 247 calories, with 16g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value). At about 247 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet.
What type of beans can I use?
You can use any type of white beans for this recipe, such as cannellini or great northern beans. If you prefer a different flavor, chickpeas could also work, though the texture will be slightly different. Just ensure they are cooked and ready to use.
How can I customize the flavor of this dish?
Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a nice tang. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to switch up the flavor profile.
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).