15-Minute Smoky Brothy Beans Recipe

Introduction

This 15-Minute Smoky Brothy Beans recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Combining tender white beans, toasted couscous, and smoky spices creates a warm, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup whole wheat pearl couscous (Israeli couscous or ptitim)
• 3-4 cups stock (plus more as needed)
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans (cannellini, navy, great northern, or butter; drained and rinsed)
• 1 teaspoon dry parsley
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika (plus more if desired)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to sweat and soften.
2. Step 2: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the couscous and toast it for 1 minute until slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups of stock and bring to a boil.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed white beans, dry parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Add more stock if you prefer a brothier consistency, and adjust smoked paprika if desired.
7. Step 7: Stir in the lemon juice and heavy cream if using, cooking for another minute. Then turn off the heat.
8. Step 8: Ladle the brothy beans into bowls. Garnish with extra smoked paprika, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute vegetable or chicken stock depending on your preference for a different flavor base.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and omit the heavy cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock or water if the dish has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any sturdy white beans like cannellini, navy, great northern, or butter beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans well before using.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

No, the heavy cream is optional and adds a creamy texture. You can skip it or substitute with a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option without compromising flavor.

15-Minute Smoky Brothy Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 131 reviews

A quick and flavorful 15-minute smoky brothy beans recipe featuring tender pearl couscous, white beans, and aromatic spices simmered in a rich broth. This comforting dish combines the smokiness of paprika with fresh herbs and a touch of cream, perfect for a hearty yet speedy meal.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Dairy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (optional)

Grains and Legumes

• 1 cup whole wheat pearl couscous (Israeli Couscous or ptitim)
• 15 ounce can white beans (cannellini, navy, great northern, or butter), drained and rinsed

Liquids

• 3–4 cups stock (vegetable or chicken), plus more as needed
• 1 lemon, juiced

Spices and Herbs

• 1 teaspoon dry parsley
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme
• 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika (plus more for garnish, if desired)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to sweat and soften. Then add the butter and minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Couscous: Add the whole wheat pearl couscous to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, allowing it to slightly toast for added flavor.
3. Add Stock and Bring to Boil: Pour in 3 cups of the stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Couscous and Beans: Stir in the drained white beans along with the dry parsley, dry thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the couscous is tender. Add additional stock as needed to achieve your preferred brothy consistency. Taste and add more smoked paprika if desired.
5. Finish the Dish: Once the couscous is tender, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and heavy cream if using. Cook for an additional 1 minute to combine flavors, then turn off the heat.
6. Serve: Ladle the smoky brothy beans into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra smoked paprika, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or chicken stock for added depth.
• The heavy cream is optional but adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your heat preference for a milder or spicier dish.
• Note that pearl couscous cooks quickly, so keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and heavy cream; substitute with olive oil and coconut milk if desired.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop adding a splash of stock to loosen the broth.

Keywords: smoky brothy beans, pearl couscous, white beans, quick dinner, Mediterranean recipe, easy weeknight meal, smoky paprika beans