Caramelized Onion White Beans with Rosemary & Balsamic is a comforting, hearty dish that will warm you up during the colder months. With its sweet and savory caramelized onions, creamy white beans, and a touch of balsamic vinegar and rosemary, this dish is a flavor-packed winner. Perfect on its own or served on top of crusty sourdough or with mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate cozy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comforting and Hearty: The caramelized onions and creamy white beans make this dish the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.
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One-Pot Wonder: Simple and easy to make in one pot, with minimal clean-up required.
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Savory and Flavorful: With the sweetness of caramelized onions, the richness of Pecorino cheese, and the earthy rosemary, this dish is a flavor explosion.
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Vegetarian and Hearty: A great plant-based option that is both satisfying and nutritious, packed with fiber and protein from the white beans.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beans:
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2 tbsp butter
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1 white onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cans (400g each) white beans, drained
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary, diced
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3 tbsp lighter crème fraîche
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2 tbsp water
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20g Pecorino cheese, grated
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Directions
1. Caramelize the Onions:
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Heat the olive oil and butter in a casserole dish over low heat.
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Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring often for about 30–45 minutes until the onions become soft and golden brown.
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Add the balsamic vinegar to the onions and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, letting the vinegar reduce slightly and enhance the flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Rosemary:
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Stir in the minced garlic and diced rosemary to the onions and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Beans:
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Add the drained white beans to the pot and gently crush some of the beans using the back of your spoon. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a creamy texture.
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Stir everything to combine.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
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Stir in the crème fraîche and water, continuing to break down some of the beans until the sauce is thick and creamy.
5. Finish the Dish:
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Grate the Pecorino cheese into the sauce and stir it in until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
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Serve the caramelized onion white beans on top of crusty sourdough or with mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh rosemary if desired.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 2-3 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour
Notes
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Caramelizing the Onions: Be patient during the caramelization process. It may take a while, but it’s crucial to get the best flavor. Keep the heat low and stir often to avoid burning.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Caramelize a batch of onions and store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can use them in several recipes to save time later. Alternatively, caramelize the onions the night before and cook the beans the following day.
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Thickening the Sauce: Crushing some of the beans helps to naturally thicken the sauce without needing flour or cornstarch.
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Herb Substitution: Fresh rosemary or thyme will provide a more vibrant, aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
Variations
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Add Greens: For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking and stir until wilted.
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free crème fraîche and skip the Pecorino cheese to make this dish completely vegan.
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Add Protein: Serve this with a grilled chicken breast or roasted sausages for added protein if desired.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the dish. Make sure to drain and rinse them well before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beans and onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add the crème fraîche and cheese just before serving.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
Caramelized Onion White Beans with Rosemary & Balsamic is the ultimate comfort food dish, rich in flavor and easy to make. With the perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions, creamy beans, and aromatic rosemary, it’s a hearty meal you’ll love during the colder months. Serve it on top of crusty bread or alongside mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
