Description
Hearty white bean casserole embodies Mediterranean comfort with rustic charm. Creamy beans, herbs, and rich aromatics create a soul-warming dish perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups (720 milliliters/24 fluid ounces) cooked white beans
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters/12 fluid ounces) cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2.5 cups (200 grams) chopped spinach
Seasonings & Aromatics:
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Topping & Oil:
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and garlic until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Quickly stir in tomato paste and allow it to bloom for approximately 30 seconds, intensifying the flavor profile.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt, simmering for 8-10 minutes until they break down and create a rich, chunky sauce. Add whole cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, allowing them to soften but retain some texture.
- Fold white beans and fresh spinach into the tomato mixture, stirring gently. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing spinach to wilt and beans to absorb the surrounding flavors.
- Transfer the vibrant mixture to a casserole dish, generously sprinkle cheese across the top, and shield with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for roughly 30 minutes, creating a bubbling, golden-topped dish.
Notes
- Choose canned white beans without added salt to control sodium levels in the dish.
- Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version, like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese.
- Roast cherry tomatoes beforehand to intensify their natural sweetness and concentrate flavors.
- Experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for varied nutritional profiles and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg