White Beans with Rosemary and Bacon
This comforting White Beans with Rosemary and Bacon dish combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the smoky, savory flavor of bacon for a hearty and satisfying meal. Begin by soaking dried cannellini beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and achieve their signature silky consistency. Simmer the beans with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, and let them absorb the flavors of the rich broth. Serve warm as a side dish, or even as a topping for toasted crusty bread.
Are Beans the Secret to Longevity?
White beans, also known as cannellini beans, are a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly in Tuscany, where we tried this side dish at the great Antica Macelleria CECCHINI. Here the famous butcher Dario Cecchini serves cannellini beans in a simple, yet delicious preparation. Known for their mild flavor and creamy texture, these beans are often featured in rustic soups like ribollita and pasta dishes. They are also celebrated in “Blue Zones,” regions of the world where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives, such as Sardinia in Italy. In these areas, legumes like cannellini beans play a central role in diets, contributing to longevity by providing plant-based protein, fiber, and a wealth of nutrients that support heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The Italian Connection
Historically, cannellini beans were introduced to Italy from the Americas during the Columbian Exchange in the 16th century. They quickly became a vital part of Italian cooking, especially among the peasant class, who relied on legumes as an affordable source of sustenance. Today, they remain a symbol of hearty, traditional Italian fare, celebrated for their ability to transform simple, humble ingredients into meals of remarkable flavor and comfort. This recipe, with its pairing of beans and bacon, reflects the enduring appeal of combining accessible ingredients to create something both nourishing and indulgent, with a nod to the health benefits enjoyed by those who incorporate beans into their everyday diet.
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White Beans with Rosemary and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1/4 lbs thick cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 lbs dried white beans (cannellini beans)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 1/2 onion
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- extra virgin olive oil or canola oil, as needed
Instructions
- Rinse the beans in a colander and remove any broken or split beans.
- Cover the beans in a bowl with water. The water should cover the beans by 2 inches as they will expand and the beans should stay submerged. Soak the beans in the bowl overnight or at least 8 hours in advance.
- We will use the water that the beans were soaked in. Place a large bowl under a colander and pour the soaked beans into the colander to drain the beans capturing the soaking water in the bowl below the colander.
- In a large pot, heat a small portion of oil (olive or canola) over medium high heat.
- Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the bacon.
- Cook the bacon until browned on all sides. You want the bacon to be lightly cooked, not burnt.
- After the bacon is cooked, add the beans, garlic and onion to the pot. Mix so that all ingredients are well coated with the flavors of the bacon, 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the bean water into the pot along with the bay leaves and rosemary.
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let the beans simmer for an hour, checking the doneness of the beans at 30 minutes and then every 15 minutes until the beans are silky, but still hold their shape well. The time may be more or less than an hour depending on how long the beans were soaked for (less soaking time will result in a longer cooking time) and the quality/condition the beans are in.
Notes
This recipe is very easy, but time consuming since it will turn out best by soaking the beans the night before. By using the water that the beans are soaked in you will achieve incredible flavor with such a simple humble ingredient. This recipe is significantly better than canned beans and is incredibly eye opening about how simple ingredients can deliver amazing meals. This recipe makes a large portion, so cut it in half if cooking for a smaller group.