Slow-Cooked Tomato and Herb White Beans

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Tomato and Herb White Beans

• 240ml dried navy beans

• 1450ml water

• 1 medium carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 medium white onion, coarsely chopped

• 4 (3-inch) thyme sprigs

• 1 (3-inch) rosemary sprig

• 1 (3-inch) sage sprig

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 3 bacon slices, chopped

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 medium white onion, chopped

• 40g minced garlic (from 1 to 2 heads)

• 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt

• 450g tomatoes, chopped (725ml )

• 120ml canned tomato purée

• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped thyme

How to make Slow-Cooked Tomato and Herb White Beans

Soak beans overnight (8 to 12 hours) in water to cover by 2 inches or quick-soak (see cooks' note, below), then drain.

Bring beans, water (1450ml ), carrot, onion, and herb sprigs to a simmer in a 4-quart heavy pot, then simmer, partially covered, until beans are al dente, about 45 minutes. Add kosher salt, then continue to simmer until beans are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour more.

Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Add oil and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden, about 12 minutes. Add garlic, kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is softened, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato purée, and thyme and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.

Discard carrot and herb sprigs. Drain beans in a sieve set over a bowl, reserving cooking liquid, and return beans to pot. Add tomato sauce and 350ml bean-cooking liquid and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 45 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.