Ina Garten’s Hearty Tuscan White Beans Recipe for Soul Comfort

Hearty, rustic cuisine from the Italian countryside bursts with flavor in this authentic Tuscan white beans recipe by Ina Garten that promises to transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Creamy, tender beans simmer with aromatic herbs and rich seasonings, creating a comforting dish that speaks to soul-warming traditions.

Each spoonful carries the essence of Mediterranean cooking, blending simplicity with deep, satisfying notes.

The recipe embraces classic ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Garlic, olive oil, and fresh rosemary weave a magical culinary narrative that elevates humble beans into a spectacular meal.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.

Grab your ingredients and let this delectable Tuscan classic become your new favorite comfort food.

Flavor Tips for Ina Garten Tuscan White Beans

• Accelerate softening by adding a pinch of baking soda to the overnight soak, which helps break down tough bean fibers and reduces cooking time.
• Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth to create a completely plant-based version without compromising rich, deep flavor profiles.
• Experiment with fresh herb alternatives like thyme or oregano when sage or rosemary aren't available, maintaining the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
• Mash a portion of beans against the pot's side to create a creamier consistency, adding rustic depth and luxurious mouthfeel to the final preparation.
• Refrigerate leftover beans in an airtight container for up to 5 days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and intensify with time.

Presentation Ideas for Ina Garten Tuscan White Beans

• Savor Rustic Italian Comfort
• Pair this hearty white bean dish with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Elevate Mediterranean Feast
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a protein-packed meal that showcases the rich, herbal flavors of Tuscan cuisine. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, green finish.
• Create Cozy Family-Style Presentation
• Transfer the beans to a large, rustic ceramic dish and place in the center of the table. Let everyone scoop their own portion, creating a warm, communal dining experience that feels like a traditional Italian gathering.
• Quick Leftover Transformation
• Blend any remaining beans into a smooth spread for crostini or use as a creamy base for a vegetarian soup, extending the deliciousness of the original recipe.

Prep & Store Tips for Ina Garten Tuscan White Beans

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover white beans in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Keep the beans whole to maintain their creamy texture and prevent mushiness.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled beans to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when reheated slowly.
• Reheat with Care: Warm beans gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.
• Meal Prep Hack: Make a large batch and use versatile beans in salads, as a side dish, or mixed into grain bowls for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 6

What You Need for Ina Garten Tuscan White Beans

• Dried White Beans: Creamy treasure that transforms into silky perfection with slow cooking, choose organic beans for richer flavor and better texture.
• Water: Essential liquid for soaking and softening beans, use filtered water for cleanest taste.

• Fennel, Carrots: Vibrant vegetables that build deep flavor foundation, select fresh, firm produce with bright colors and no blemishes.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor booster that adds complexity, pick firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that carries Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin for most authentic taste.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid that infuses depth and moisture, homemade stock provides superior flavor compared to store-bought.
• Sage, Rosemary: Herbaceous companions that transport taste buds to Tuscan countryside, choose fresh herbs with vibrant green color and strong aroma.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Salty, tangy finale that adds creamy richness, opt for authentic Italian cheese for genuine taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that balances and elevates overall dish, use freshly ground pepper for maximum impact.

Ina Garten Tuscan White Beans – Kitchen Tools Required

• Large bowl: For soaking beans overnight.
• Colander: To drain and rinse beans.
• Large stockpot: Perfect for boiling and cooking beans.
• Large pan or Dutch oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and combining ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: For accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping garlic, fennel, and carrots.
• Cutting board: Safe surface for preparing vegetables.

How to Cook Ina Garten Tuscan White Beans with Flair

Tuscan White Bean Delight

• Bean Preparation

Soak dried white beans overnight in cold water, allowing them to soften and relax in the refrigerator.

• Gentle Cooking

Drain and rinse beans, then place in a large pot with fresh water. Simmer slowly until beans become tender and smooth, skimming away any foam that develops.

• Vegetable Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pan, introducing fennel and carrots. Let them dance and soften, releasing their natural sweetness through gentle cooking.

• Aromatic Infusion

Sprinkle minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, creating a fragrant base that will elevate the entire dish.

• Flavor Harmony

Combine cooked beans with sautéed vegetables. Pour in chicken stock and introduce sage and rosemary, allowing the herbs to weave their magical essence throughout the dish.

• Creamy Transformation

Let the bean mixture simmer lazily, developing a rich and velvety texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even blending of flavors and prevent sticking.

• Final Touch

Finish with a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese, tasting and adjusting seasonings to create a perfect balance of rustic Italian comfort.

Rustic Tuscan White Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tuscan white beans merge rustic Italian countryside flavors with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Guests savor rich, comforting ingredients that transport palates directly to Tuscany’s warm kitchens.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) dried white cannellini beans
• 4 c (960 mL) chopped fennel, stalks, fronds, and core removed (2 large)
• 2 c (480 mL) chopped carrots (4 carrots)
• 0.25 c (60 mL) olive oil, good
• 0.5 c (120 mL) Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
• 1 c (240 mL) chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh sage leaves, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh rosemary leaves, minced
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Soak dried beans overnight in cold water, covering them by 2 inches. Refrigerate in a covered container to initiate softening.
2. Bean Cooking: Drain and rinse soaked beans, transfer to a large stockpot. Cover with double the water volume, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes, skimming foam periodically to ensure clean flavor and smooth texture.
3. Vegetable Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté fennel and carrots until tender and lightly caramelized, developing rich, deep flavors. Add garlic and stir briefly to release aromatic essence without scorching.
4. Flavor Integration: Combine cooked beans with sautéed vegetables, introducing chicken stock and herbs. Sprinkle sage, rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Final Refinement: Simmer the mixture on low heat for 12-15 minutes, allowing liquids to reduce and ingredients to meld. Gently fold in Pecorino Romano cheese, creating a creamy, indulgent texture. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Soak Strategically: Overnight bean soaking is crucial for even cooking and digestibility, reducing cooking time and softening tough fibers.
• Skimming Secrets: Regularly removing foam during bean boiling prevents bitter flavors and ensures a cleaner, smoother final texture.
• Herb Harmony: Fresh sage and rosemary are game-changers, infusing deep Mediterranean flavor that elevates the entire dish’s aromatic profile.
• Cheese Completion: Adding Pecorino Romano at the end brings a salty, tangy richness that transforms simple beans into a gourmet experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg