One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon

Name: One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon
Prep time: 12 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 16 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or great northern); Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil; 1 head garlic, halved crosswise; 1 onion, halved crosswise (root attached); 4 whole black peppercorns; ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); A handful of fresh herbs (thyme, marjoram, rosemary, parsley, basil); 2-4 Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds; 4 ounces aromatic vegetables (carrots, celery, or parsnips); ¾ cup fresh or frozen peas; ½ cup chopped asparagus (cut on the bias into 1-inch pieces); Juice of 1 lemon; ¼ cup freshly chopped herbs (parsley or basil); Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese, for garnish; Crusty toasted bread, for serving

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

April 4, 2025

Updated:

April 4, 2025

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Combining the delightful flavors of spring vegetables with creamy beans, One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon is the dish you didn’t know you needed. Imagine gathering with family or friends around a warm pot, where every spoonful offers a taste of comfort. This recipe is not just about nourishment; it’s a simple, joyful experience that brings warmth to your table.

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The beauty lies in how easy this dish is to prepare. With minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll have more time to savor the moment. As the beans simmer, the aromas dance through your kitchen, inviting everyone to sit down and share. Fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and that touch of Parmesan transform ordinary ingredients into something special. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend brunch, this one-pot wonder promises satisfaction without the fuss.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a triumph in simplicity, combining rich, creamy beans with bright, fresh vegetables. The marriage of flavors and textures creates a balanced dish that delights the palate. The slow, gentle simmer allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully. With every stir, the taste evolves, enriching the broth and enhancing the overall dish.

Another highlight is the addition of Parmesan rinds, which impart a depth of flavor many people might overlook. This umami boost makes the broth richer and more satisfying. Each ingredient plays its part, ensuring that you experience a symphony of flavors with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon

You’ll find that this dish is just perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet light. With just a single pot to clean afterwards, it’s all about simplicity and ease. Plus, the flavors of fresh vegetables and herbs shine through, making it a delightful experience.

Versatility is another charm of this One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon. Whether you want to go fully vegan or swap in different veggies based on your preferences, it easily adapts to different tastes and dietary choices.

Ingredients

1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or great northern)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
1 onion, halved crosswise (root attached)
4 whole black peppercorns
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
A handful of fresh herbs (thyme, marjoram, rosemary, parsley, basil)
2-4 Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds
4 ounces aromatic vegetables (carrots, celery, or parsnips)
¾ cup fresh or frozen peas
½ cup chopped asparagus (cut on the bias into 1-inch pieces)
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup freshly chopped herbs (parsley or basil)
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino cheese, for garnish
Crusty toasted bread, for serving

Preparing the Beans

Sorting and Soaking the Beans

Before you start cooking, it’s important to check your beans. Inspect 1 cup of dried white beans for any debris and rinse them well. Soak the beans in a medium bowl with 1 quart of water and 1 tablespoon of salt for 3 to 12 hours, depending on how much time you have. Once they’re soaked, remember to drain them before cooking, as this step helps with texture.

Sautéing Aromatics

Next, turn your attention to the aromatics. Heat ¼ cup of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the cut sides of the garlic and onion down, allowing them to caramelize until golden-brown (about 3-4 minutes). The next step is to add in the whole black peppercorns and the red chili flakes. Cook these together until they release their fragrant aroma, which only takes about 30 seconds.

Preparing the Broth

Building the Base

Now, it’s time to build your flavorful broth. Add the drained beans to the pot, followed by the fresh herbs, cheese rinds, and your choice of aromatic vegetables. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Afterward, cover with water, ensuring there’s at least a couple of inches of liquid above the ingredients.

Simmering the Beans

Bring everything to a gentle boil and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to keep everything mixed together. You’ll want to continue simmering until the beans become tender, which should take between 1 and 4 hours. Keep an eye on the water level, adding more if necessary to keep the beans submerged and cooking evenly.

Final Touches

Discarding Aromatics

Once the beans are cooked through, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the aromatics and herbs from the pot. If you enjoy that rich garlic flavor, squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin into the broth, enhancing the taste even more.

Adding Spring Vegetables

Return the heat to a simmer and mix in the peas and asparagus. They don’t need long to cook—just 1 to 3 minutes until they’re vibrant and tender.

Finishing the Dish

Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as necessary. Squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon, which brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the broth.

Serving Suggestions

Dish out your One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon hot in bowls. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top and add some grated cheese for a final touch. To complete the meal, serve generous slices of crusty toasted bread on the side, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best flavor, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Check the beans for tenderness regularly since cooking times can vary depending on your soak time and the freshness of the beans. Don’t shy away from adjusting the seasoning and acidity to match your taste; a little more lemon can go a long way!

Variations

There are numerous ways to switch things up with this recipe. You might try swapping the white beans for chickpeas or lentils for a different texture. Feel free to toss in additional greens like spinach or kale for more nutrition. If you’re looking for some heat, consider increasing the red chili flakes or adding a sliced jalapeño during the simmering process.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll last up to 3 days. Reheating on the stovetop requires just an added splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.

Pairing Ideas

For a complete meal, consider pairing your One-Pot Brothy Beans with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water, complements the dish beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead?
Certainly! Just rinse and drain the beans, then adjust the cooking time to heat them through.

2. Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes! Just skip the cheese rinds and use nutritional yeast to maintain that savory flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just throw all the ingredients in and let them cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4. How do I make the broth thicker?
Once the beans are cooked, you can mash a portion of them to achieve a creamier texture.

5. What other serving suggestions do you have?
This dish also works well as a side with grilled meats or as part of a charcuterie board.

Celebrate the richness of flavors in this One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings. Whether you serve it as a hearty dinner or a delightful lunch, this dish is a perfect showcase of simplicity and freshness that resonates well with cooking lovers everywhere. With its blend of textures and flavors, it embodies the joy of home-cooked meals.

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