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White Beans with Garlic & Olive Oil

Serves 4 Side vegan, Sides

White Beans with Garlic & Olive Oil

White Beans with Garlic & Olive Oil is a staple of the Mediterranean table, offering a taste of everyday Greece where simplicity reigns. This dish captures the essence of both the sea and the garden, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal where olive oil flows liberally and lemon wedges sit ready to refresh.

Expect a creamy texture from the tender white beans, harmonizing with the robust aroma of garlic and the fruity richness of extra virgin olive oil. A hint of lemon juice brightens each bite, while fresh oregano and fine sea salt round out the flavors with a gentle, herbal finish. This is Mediterranean comfort in its purest form.

Ingredients

  • 400 gwhite beans
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 80 mlextra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsplemon juice
  • to finishoregano
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by peeling and finely slicing 4 cloves of garlic. Aim for even, thin slices to ensure they cook uniformly and infuse the oil with their flavor without burning.
  2. In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 80 ml of extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic to the cold oil and place the pan over low heat. Allow the garlic to warm gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. This will take a few minutes and ensures the garlic flavors the oil without becoming bitter.
  3. Once the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, add 400 g of drained white beans to the pan. Stir the beans gently to coat them with the garlic-infused oil. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and glossy, indicating they have absorbed some of the oil and garlic flavor.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This will add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich oil and garlic. Season the beans with fine sea salt to taste, adjusting as needed to enhance the flavors.
  5. Transfer the beans to a serving dish and finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano. This herb adds an aromatic touch that complements the lemon and garlic. Serve the dish warm, allowing the simple yet vibrant flavors to shine.