Experience the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in this comforting bean bake. Tender white beans are enriched with roasted peppers and olives, then crowned with just the right touch of herbs and cheese. It’s cozy yet bright, perfect for both a simple weeknight meal and an elegant get-together.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan feta substitute)
Instructions
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about five minutes, until it softens and starts to turn golden. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and basil, letting the herbs bloom for about a minute.
Add the roasted red peppers and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pan, stirring gently. Once the mixture simmers, fold in the white beans and olives. Season with salt and black pepper, and let everything bubble together for about five minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese just begins to brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
This Mediterranean White Bean Bake makes the perfect one-dish meal for anyone who loves hearty yet wholesome comfort foods. The protein-packed beans and bright roasted peppers stand out, making it suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily adaptable vegan diets (just swap in vegan feta). For extra flair, consider adding fresh spinach or swapping in sun-dried tomatoes. With its cheerful colors and bold flavors, this recipe hits all the right notes for a quick dinner or a potluck star.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
