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Cheesy Leeks and Beans with Herby Cannellini Recipe

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3.8 from 27 reviews

Cheesy Leeks and Beans is a comforting and flavorful winter warmer dish featuring tender leeks cooked with garlic and herbs, creamy cannellini beans, and melted cheddar and vegetarian pecorino cheeses. Enhanced with white wine and vegetable stock, this hearty bean bowl is finished with fresh lemon zest, juice, and parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Perfect served with crusty bread, this recipe is a quick and easy option for a satisfying cold-weather meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 portions

Ingredients

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 leek, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 sprig rosemary, diced
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • Handful parsley, finely chopped

Beans & Dairy

  • 1 tin drained cannellini beans
  • 30g cheddar cheese
  • 15g vegetarian pecorino, grated
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Liquids & Seasonings

  • ⅛ cup white wine (approx. 30ml)
  • ¾ cup vegetable stock (approx. 180ml)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 0.5 lemon, juice and zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Leeks and Aromatics: Add the butter to a saucepan and melt it over low heat. Add the finely sliced leeks, sliced garlic, thyme, and diced rosemary to the pan and cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant.
  2. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and deepen the flavor of the vegetables.
  3. Add Beans and Stock: Add the drained cannellini beans, vegetable stock, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  4. Simmer to Combine Flavors: Cook the mixture for an additional 8 to 10 minutes over medium-low heat to allow the beans to heat through and the cheese to melt, creating a creamy texture.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Grate the vegetarian pecorino over the top, adjust seasoning if needed, then add the lemon juice and zest. Scatter the finely chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, bright finish.
  6. Serve: Serve the cheesy leeks and beans hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy your comforting winter meal!

Notes

  • Use a mild vegetable stock to complement the subtle flavors of the leeks and herbs.
  • You can substitute pecorino with Parmesan if vegetarian pecorino is not available, but bear in mind Parmesan contains animal rennet.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil, and choose vegan cheese alternatives.
  • To enhance the texture, gently mash some of the beans during cooking for a creamier consistency.
  • Serve with crusty sourdough or baguette to balance the creamy beans.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian