Caramelized Onion White Beans with Rosemary & Balsamic Recipe

Introduction

This comforting dish features tender white beans cooked with caramelized onions, fragrant rosemary, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for depth. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect served over crusty sourdough for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tins (400g each) white beans, drained
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 sprigs rosemary, diced
• 3 tbsp lighter creme fraiche
• 2 tbsp water
• 20g Pecorino cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil or butter in a casserole dish over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring often until they soften and turn golden brown. Add the balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and diced rosemary to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the white beans. Use the back of a spoon to crush some of the beans, creating a thick and creamy sauce.
4. Step 4: Mix in the creme fraiche and water, continuing to mash some beans until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5. Step 5: Grate the Pecorino cheese into the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve the beans warm on top of crusty sourdough bread for a delicious meal.

Tips & Variations

• Caramelize the onions ahead of time to speed up cooking during mealtime and enhance flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use a plant-based creme fraiche alternative.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat boost.
• Top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans other than white beans?

Yes, while white beans such as cannellini or great northern are best for their creamy texture, you can substitute with other mild-flavored canned beans if needed. Adjust cooking time to ensure they break down nicely.

What can I use instead of creme fraiche?

If you don’t have creme fraiche, sour cream or Greek yogurt are good substitutes. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative.

Caramelized Onion White Beans with Rosemary & Balsamic Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 58 reviews

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring caramelized white onions and creamy white beans infused with rosemary and tangy balsamic vinegar. This recipe offers a rich, velvety sauce enhanced with crème fraîche and Pecorino cheese, perfect for serving over crusty sourdough bread as a hearty snack or light meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Herbs

• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs rosemary, diced

Pantry & Dairy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 400g tins of white beans, drained
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp lighter crème fraîche
• 2 tbsp water
• 20g Pecorino cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Heat the butter or oil in a casserole dish over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and turn golden brown. Then, add the balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to develop deep flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Rosemary: Stir in the minced garlic and diced rosemary, cooking for 1 minute more to release their aromas.
3. Add White Beans: Tip in the drained white beans. Using the back of your spoon, crush some of the beans to create a thick and creamy sauce texture.
4. Incorporate Crème Fraîche and Water: Stir in the crème fraîche and water, continuing to mash some of the beans further to achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Grate the Pecorino cheese into the mixture, then season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy caramelized onion and white bean mixture atop crusty sourdough bread for a delicious, rustic serving suggestion.

Notes

• Caramelizing the onions low and slow is key to developing sweetness and depth of flavor.
• You can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time to speed up the cooking process later.
• Use good quality canned white beans such as cannellini or navy beans for best texture.
• Adjust the seasoning carefully as the cheese adds saltiness.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and omit the crème fraîche and Pecorino.
• Serve with crusty bread to complete the meal.

Keywords: caramelized onion, white beans, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, creamy sauce, vegetarian, easy recipe, rustic