This quick recipe can be used as a light main dish or a hearty side. Beans, herbs, and oil come together for an easy-to-make meal that is healthy and flavorful!
Adapted from a New York Times Cooking recipe.
Ingredients for the Herb Oil:
- ½ cup roughly chopped chives
- ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
- ½ cup tightly packed basil leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- Squeeze of lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
Ingredients for the Beans:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans, like butter beans or cannellini, rinsed and drained
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- ½ cup chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water
- Flaky salt, for serving (optional)
Directions
Make the oil: In a food processor, combine chives, cilantro, and basil, and pulse until finely chopped. Add olive oil, and pulse again until mixture is silky and emulsified. Transfer to a small bowl, stir in lemon juice and salt to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the beans: In a 10-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent, about 1 minute. Add beans to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded, about 2 to 3 minutes. With the back of a spoon or spatula, smash about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the beans and stir to incorporate into the rest of the bean mixture. A good portion of the remaining beans should maintain their structure.
Add stock or water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until sauce becomes creamy and is reduced by about about half, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Smash additional beans and add a few more tablespoons of water, if needed, to reach desired consistency and stir again to combined.
Transfer beans to a bowl and swirl with herb oil on top. Season with flaky salt, if desired.
Find more healthy recipes in our JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry articles.
About JFCS Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry has been a cornerstone of Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Pittsburgh since 1999. It offers nutritious, fresh food for neighbors meeting income eligibility requirements in the 15217 zip code as well as kosher food for families who live in the Southwest PA region. For more information, visit www.jfcspgh.org/squirrel-hill-food-pantry or call (412) 421-2708.