Pesto Beans

Published July 19, 2024

Pesto Beans
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
35 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5(3,965)
Comments
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Part quick and rustic bean stew and part deconstructed pesto, this pesto-inspired one-pan meal requires no blender and minimal slicing. It all starts out by sizzling nuts with a little turmeric in olive oil until golden. The Parmesan cheese makes a creamy base for softened shallots and tender beans; then freshly torn basil leaves and lemon juice are stirred in at the end so they stay vibrant and fresh. Top with the beautifully toasted nuts, golden olive oil and a bit more Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 8tablespoons olive oil 
  • ¼cup pine nuts or sliced almonds 
  • ½teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3large shallots, sliced thinly (about 2 cups)
  • 5garlic cloves, sliced thinly
  • 2(15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans or other creamy white beans, drained 
  • 1cup vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1cup finely grated Parmesan (about 4 ounces), plus more for serving  
  • cups tightly packed basil leaves, preferably Genovese
  • 1lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

761 calories; 42 grams fat; 9 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 24 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 grams polyunsaturated fat; 70 grams carbohydrates; 15 grams dietary fiber; 9 grams sugars; 32 grams protein; 1180 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 6 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-low in a 12-inch skillet or small Dutch oven. Add the pine nuts and, when the oil starts sizzling, stir occasionally until golden brown, about 5 minutes; turn off heat. Stir in the turmeric and season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small serving bowl.

  2. Step 2

    Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high in the same skillet. When warm, add the shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring until just softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, and when sizzling (about 1 minute), stir in the beans and stock. Bring to a simmer then turn heat down to low.

  3. Step 3

    In a few additions, sprinkle in the cheese, stirring vigorously to combine. When the cheese has melted into the broth and the mixture looks creamy, season to taste with salt and then turn off the heat. While the beans are still hot, tear the basil leaves (or roughly chop, if you prefer) and stir into the beans.

  4. Step 4

    Serve hot, in bowls or on plates, drizzled with the sizzled nut oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and more black pepper and grated Parmesan, if desired.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
3,965 user ratings
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Comments

I didn't love this recipe as much as I thought I would. My biggest complaint and tip for anyone would be to use less oil. 6 tablespoons of oil was a lot for the pine nuts and tumeric sauce, I'd rather use half and dilute it with stock.

This is absolutely delicious! I made a vegan version by leaving out the parm and I didn’t even miss it. I roasted a pint of grape tomatoes in the oven and then stirred them in at the end. It added a little more acidity and color. I highly recommend this recipe!

Even better if you make 1/2 cup or so of pesto and stir it in with everything else.

I love this recipe! An unusual combination of flavors that work good together. I use Rancho Gordo Corona beans, cooked the day before. For two people, this makes two meals (18 oz of cooked beans). For meal two we top with a 6 minute egg. Both meals, clean bowls.

This was delicious! I made as is, I wouldn’t change a thing

This was SO good! But I did grind up the almonds and basil leaves in a food processor. That made the texture a lot easier to swallow! Loved the flavor, though! Perfect!

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