Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Haricots Blancs are easy to cook and incredibly adaptable. Whether you want a light salad or a comforting, hearty stew, these beans can be used in various ways. They have a mild taste that pairs well with savory herbs, spices, and meats, making them the perfect base for countless recipes. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, including fiber, iron, and magnesium, making them both a healthy and delicious option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dried or canned haricots blancs (white beans)
Olive oil
Garlic
Onion
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Bay leaves
Salt
Black pepper
Vegetable or chicken broth
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Beans: If using dried haricots blancs, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Beans and Liquid: Add the soaked (or canned) beans to the pot along with vegetable or chicken broth. Add fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes if using dried beans, or about 10-15 minutes for canned beans, until the beans are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves and herbs, if using, and serve the haricots blancs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings and takes around 1 hour to prepare and cook (including soaking time for dried beans).

Variations

Herb Variations: Use fresh sage, basil, or tarragon instead of thyme and rosemary for different flavor profiles.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers for a kick of heat.
With Meat: For a heartier version, add sausage, bacon, or ham to the pot while cooking the beans.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Stick to vegetable broth and enjoy a fully plant-based version.
Tomato Variation: Add diced tomatoes for a tangy twist and slightly richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the beans for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, dried beans offer a more authentic texture and flavor, but they require soaking overnight and a longer cooking time.

How do I make sure my beans are tender?

Simmer the beans slowly and add more liquid if needed. Dried beans should be fully cooked but not mushy.

What can I serve with Haricots Blancs?

They pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a filling side to a hearty salad.

Can I cook Haricots Blancs in a slow cooker?

Yes, just add soaked beans and all ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Carrots, celery, and leeks are great additions and help enhance the flavor.

How do I prevent overcooking dried beans?

Test the beans for tenderness regularly, and stop cooking as soon as they reach your desired softness to avoid them becoming mushy.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used, but you may need to use more since fresh herbs are milder than dried.

How do I thicken the broth?

If you prefer a thicker broth, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the beans in the pot.

Can I use a pressure cooker for dried beans?

Yes, cooking dried beans in a pressure cooker cuts down the cooking time significantly. Cook under high pressure for about 25-30 minutes after soaking.

What is the best way to store leftover haricots blancs?

Store the beans in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Haricots Blancs are an incredibly versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes. With a mild flavor and tender texture, these beans are a blank canvas for herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or preparing for a larger gathering, haricots blancs are an easy and healthy choice that will never disappoint.

Haricots Blancs

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Haricots Blancs, also known as white beans, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, or salads. Their mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture make them a great addition to many meals.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes (if using dried beans)
Total Time: 1 hour (including soaking time for dried beans)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

If using dried haricots blancs, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the soaked (or canned) beans to the pot along with vegetable or chicken broth. Add fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–45 minutes if using dried beans, or 10–15 minutes for canned beans, until beans are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Remove bay leaves and herbs, if used, and serve the haricots blancs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try adding diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like sage or tarragon.
To make this dish heartier, you can add sausagewhile cooking the beans.
If you prefer a thicker broth, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans.
Make this recipe vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting meat products.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg