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Caramelized Onion White Beans with Rosemary and Balsamic Recipe

Caramelized Onion White Beans with Rosemary and Balsamic Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

A comforting and savory dish featuring tender white beans caramelized with sweet, golden onions, aromatic rosemary, and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar, finished with creamy crème fraîche and Pecorino cheese for a rich, flavorful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 white onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs rosemary, diced

Pantry Staples

  • 2 400g tins of white beans (cannellini), drained
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 3 tbsp lighter crème fraîche
  • 20g Pecorino cheese, grated

Liquids

  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat the olive oil or butter in a casserole dish over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook gently for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and golden brown. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes to deeply caramelize the onions and develop rich flavor.
  2. Add Garlic and Rosemary: Stir in the minced garlic and diced rosemary, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the aroma of the dish.
  3. Add and Crush Beans: Pour in the drained white beans (cannellini). Using the back of a spoon, gently crush some of the beans to release their starches, which will help create a thick and creamy sauce.
  4. Incorporate Crème Fraîche and Water: Mix in the crème fraîche and water, continuing to mash some beans as needed to achieve a rich, creamy texture throughout the sauce.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Grate the Pecorino cheese into the mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and serve warm.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions low and slow is key to developing the dish’s depth and sweetness.
  • You can substitute Pecorino with Parmesan if preferred.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread or as a side to roasted meats.
  • For a vegan version, omit the butter, crème fraîche, and cheese; instead, use olive oil and a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized onions, white beans, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, creme fraiche, Pecorino cheese, Italian side dish, creamy beans

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/caramelized-onion-white-beans-with-rosemary-and-balsamic-recipe/