Welcome to a culinary journey straight to the heart of Southern comfort food! If you’re craving a dish that embodies warmth and hospitality, look no further than South Louisiana Style White Beans. This hearty recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful delight that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience, you can create a dish that not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. Ready to dive into this Southern classic? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry white beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked white beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any debris or damaged beans.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and bell pepper, and sauté until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the soaked white beans and 4 cups of water. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beans for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy. Add additional water if needed to maintain moisture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as required.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve hot, optionally with white rice or cornbread on the side.
Tips
- Soak the Beans: For the best texture and flavor, soak your dry white beans overnight. This not only reduces cooking time but also helps to make them more digestible.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Taking the time to cook the onions, celery, and bell pepper until they’re soft and translucent enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Monitor the Simmer: Keep an eye on your beans as they cook. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add water as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Season to Taste: After cooking, taste your beans and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish to new heights!
- Serve with Sides: While the beans are delicious on their own, consider serving them with a side of fluffy white rice or warm cornbread to soak up all that savory goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 20g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
