Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a vibrant celebration of nutrition and flavor! This Herbed White Bean Rainbow Chard Thyme recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious, and incredibly wholesome dining experience that will transform your perception of plant-based cooking. Packed with protein-rich white beans, stunning rainbow chard, and aromatic thyme, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch rainbow chard, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the rainbow chard under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Separate the rainbow chard leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into small 1/2-inch pieces and roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized sections.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are uniformly chopped to distribute flavor evenly.
- Strip fresh thyme leaves from their woody stems and chop them finely to release their aromatic oils.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and chopped chard stems to the pan, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until stems begin to soften and garlic becomes golden.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans to the pan, stirring gently to combine with garlic and chard stems.
- Incorporate chopped chard leaves into the mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped thyme over the mixture, allowing its herbal essence to infuse the beans and chard.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chard leaves are wilted and beans are heated through.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a nutritious side dish or light main course, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, bright rainbow chard with firm stems and vibrant leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Like a Pro: Wash chard thoroughly and completely dry to prevent excess moisture during cooking, which can make your dish soggy.
- Timing is Key: Sauté garlic and chard stems first to build a flavor base before adding beans and leaves.
- Don't Overcook: Keep chard leaves slightly tender but not mushy - they should retain some bite and bright color.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in layers, tasting as you go to achieve perfect seasoning.
- Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
