Description
A cozy Southern-inspired comfort bowl featuring creamy white beans simmered with aromatics, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for chilly nights or hearty lunches.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – adds a rich base flavor for sautéing
- Yellow onion: 1 large, diced – brings a mellow sweetness
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced – adds depth and aroma
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped – contributes crunch and a fresh herbal undertone
- Carrot: 1 large, chopped – adds sweetness and color
- Dried white beans (like Great Northern): 1 cup, soaked overnight – forms the creamy core of the dish
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups – for rich, savory simmering
- Bay leaf: 1 – infuses subtle herbal notes
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon – gives a warm, smoky layer
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) – balances all flavors
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon – adds mild heat
- Cooked white rice: 4 cups – the hearty, fluffy bed for the beans
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped – for a bright, herbal finish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Stir in the soaked beans, broth, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours until beans are creamy and tender.
- Cook to Perfection: Stir occasionally and mash a few beans against the pot side for extra creaminess.
- Finishing Touches: Discard the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the creamy beans over warm rice and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use canned beans for a quicker version—just reduce cooking time.
- Swap in Cajun seasoning for a spicier twist.
- Refrigerates well for 4–5 days and freezes beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: white beans and rice, southern comfort food, vegan bean bowl, creamy white beans, plant-based southern