Herbed White Beans with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Drizzle

Serves 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

white-bean-crostini-003[1].jpg Herbed White Beans with an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Drizzle 

Beans are a nearly perfect, plant-based protein. They are full of healthy fiber to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

They are always available either dried or fresh and both are equally nutritious.

Because canned beans are usually preserved with additional salt always drain and rinse them before using.         

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs of your choice, or fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Sea salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 8-10 slices Italian bread, rubbed with oil and garlic and toasted

Instructions:

In a food processor, combine the white beans and dried herbs. Process until smooth, or to your desired consistency. Taste, and season with salt.

Serve beans on toasted bread slices and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Terri Tips:

  • Substitute any bean that you have in your pantry.  Options include: navy, cannellini, pinto, black or even chick peas will work.
  • If you have dried beans you can use those to replace the canned beans. Cook a large pot so you will have plenty for beans and cornbread, chili or soup.
  • We usually have dried herbs in the pantry but if available you can use fresh herbs. The main difference between fresh and dried herbs is the intensity of flavor. Dried herbs have a stronger and more intense flavor. If you are substituting dried herbs for fresh in a recipe the ratio is 1:3, i.e. 1 teaspoon dried: 3 teaspoons fresh.
  • If you don’t have sea salt, use Kosher. I recommend always using one or the other when cooking.
  • I always have a large container of extra virgin olive oil in my pantry. But if you have other oils such as grapeseed or olive oil, simply substitute.
  • For this recipe you can use any bread that you have in your pantry.

Make it Your Own:

Top beans with chopped bacon, pesto, roasted red peppers or chopped fresh herbs

Add a splash of lemon juice and cracked black pepper to the beans for a twist on the flavor. You might have lemon pepper in your pantry. Try it.