Italian Marinated White Beans: A Cozy, Flavorful Delight
There’s something magical about a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening. My Italian Marinated White Beans recipe brings that comforting sensation into your kitchen, allowing you to create a beautiful and delicious side dish with minimal effort. Every time I whip up this simple treat, I think back to the countless family gatherings where my grandmother would have a vibrant bowl of marinated beans on the table. Those golden hours spent talking, laughing, and sharing a meal with loved ones provide a cozy warmth that we can recreate in our own homes.
This easy weeknight dinner option is incredibly versatile, perfect for topping on a crispy piece of toast, livening up a fresh salad, or simply enjoying as a delightful side. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time.
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Flavor-Packed: The zesty combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fragrant garlic infuses each bean with mouthwatering taste.
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Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, these beans make for a great addition to salads or meals, featuring wholesome ingredients.
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Versatile: Serve this dish as a side, atop garlic toast, or mixed in your favorite salads. It’s perfect for any occasion!
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time, and enjoy the melded flavors for days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can of white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Let’s Make It Together
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In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
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Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the bowl and gently toss to coat.
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Stir in the chopped parsley.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve on toast, in salads, or as a side dish.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add a Splash of Citrus: Enhance the flavor by squeezing in fresh lemon juice or orange juice for a refreshing twist.
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Zesty Add-Ins: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair that elevates each bite.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a kick of warmth.
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Creamy Touch: Stir in crumbled feta cheese just before serving for a rich, indulgent finish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
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Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare the marinated beans a day in advance! The flavors only get better with time as they soak in the marinade.
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Use Different Beans: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other canned beans like chickpeas or black beans, giving you a variety of textures and flavors.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve these Italian Marinated White Beans over creamy polenta or mix them into pasta dishes for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors will remain vibrant and delicious.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These marinated white beans taste even better after a day in the fridge.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to substitute beans or add new ingredients like bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your marinated beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How long does it last?
When properly stored, these beans can last in the fridge for about a week. Enjoy them throughout the week!
A Cozy Closing Note
This Italian Marinated White Beans recipe is not just a dish; it’s a piece of nostalgia that brings families together and warms your heart. The gentle mingling of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe in my kitchen. Save this Italian Marinated White Beans recipe to your cozy meals board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Enjoy the embrace of good food and warm memories; it’s what makes cooking so special.
Italian Marinated White Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the bowl and gently toss to coat.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve on toast, in salads, or as a side dish.
