Mediterranean White Beans

Beans of any kind are a healthy addition to any diet. They are full of protein and high in fiber. They taste great without adding a lot of extra calories too. Beans are an integral part of many diets in many different cultures. I too love beans. I like adding them into a lot of different recipes and dishes. I like them in salads, I like them as side dishes. I like them cold and I like them hot. Let’s just say I like beans a lot. 🙂

When I made my citrus lamb A Whole Lotta Lamb I served it with a Mediterranean white bean dish. I think it was a perfect choice. It wasn’t too heavy, which is what I look for on the hot summer days, and it really went well with the lamb. Plus it was super easy to make, with hardly any time in the kitchen at all.

Mediterranean White Beans

This is a very simple recipe to make, using just basic ingredients. You can cook your own beans, or just keep it simple and use canned beans. I used canned beans this time. This is also a great way to add some more vegetables, fiber and protein to the meal and you can use whatever you like. Use what you have on hand. This would also be good with spinach too. I would have added spinach if I had it too. Change it up. There are no rules. 🙂

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1-1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms – I like the baby portabellas

1 bell pepper, diced

1/2 onion, diced

1-1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced

1 TBSP garlic

salt & pepper to taste

olive oil

lemon olive oil, optional

3 TBSP fresh basil, chiffonade

2-3 TBSP fresh lemon verbena, chiffonade, optional

1 TBSP lemon juice

Heat the oil(s) up then add the onions, peppers, mushrooms and garlic to the oil and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the onions and peppers start to soften.

Then add the beans, tomatoes, and seasonings and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until everything is heated.

Add the basil and lemon verbena if using, mix in thoroughly, then add a dash more lemon juice and lemon olive oil right before serving.

Now it is ready to go. Serve it alongside anything you like. It’s quick, easy-peasy and delicious, and not to mention healthy too. This is both vegan and vegetarian, with added protein to boot. So everyone is happy.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.