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GREEK-INSPIRED OVEN-INFUSED WHITE BEANS – SIMPLE & AROMATIC

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
GREEK-INSPIRED OVEN-INFUSED WHITE BEANS – SIMPLE & AROMATIC

GREEK-INSPIRED OVEN-INFUSED WHITE BEANS – SIMPLE & AROMATIC

This oven-infused white bean dish highlights the beans as the star, enhanced subtly by Greek-inspired herbs and spices. Unlike a saucy stew, the beans maintain their texture and individuality, with a delicate, fragrant sauce that complements without overpowering.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes + soaking

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-5

Ingredients

For Beans:

  • 450 g dried white beans
  • 1 celery stalk, cut into chunks
  • 1 carrot, cut into chunks
  • 1 small onion, whole
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt, to taste

For Sauce:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 canned tomatoes + 2 tbsp tomato juice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Pinch ground cinnamon
  • Pinch ground allspice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ bunch parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 sprig fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 50 ml extra virgin olive oil (fruity, salad-quality)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook beans according to preferred method. At step 7 (adding aromatics), add celery, carrot chunks, whole onion, and bay leaf to the pot. Beans should remain slightly undercooked in the center for this recipe.
  2. Beans can be pre-cooked 1-4 days ahead and refrigerated in their cooking liquid until use.
  3. In a large oven-safe pot (~26 cm), heat some olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 more minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato juice; simmer 2 minutes.
  6. Add oregano, cinnamon, allspice, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  7. Pour in 300 ml of bean cooking water and remaining olive oil. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes and adjust salt to taste.
  8. Drain beans (remove aromatics if desired) and add to the sauce along with chopped parsley and dill. Beans should not be fully submerged in sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
  9. Transfer pot to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F), uncovered. Bake for 50 minutes until a light crust forms on top.
  10. Serve immediately with fresh bread, or reheat the next day. Also delicious at room temperature with toasted bread.

💡 Tips

  • Slightly undercooked beans hold texture better during baking.
  • Using salad-quality fruity olive oil elevates the sauce flavor.
  • Spices add subtle warmth without overwhelming the beans.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted pork or grilled fish.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Light, aromatic main dishes
  • Mediterranean or Greek-inspired meals
  • Elegant vegetarian entrees or sides

📝 Final Thoughts

This Greek-style oven-infused white bean dish showcases the natural flavor and texture of beans with subtle herb and spice infusions. Its light sauce and tender beans make it versatile as a standalone meal or accompaniment to grilled or roasted proteins.