Garlic White Bean Mash with Lemon & Thyme

🛒 Ingredients

• #Main Ingredients;
• 2 cans (400 g each) cannellini beans or great northern beans — drained and rinsed
• 3–4 cloves garlic — minced or roasted for milder flavour
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil — plus extra for drizzling
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice — adjust to taste
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• #Herbs & Seasoning;
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves — plus extra sprigs for garnish
• ¼ tsp dried thyme — optional, for deeper flavour
• ½ tsp sea salt — adjust to taste
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper — generous amount
• 2–4 tbsp warm water, vegetable stock, or unsweetened plant milk — to adjust consistency

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté the garlic gently: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and soft — do NOT let it brown or burn, as this will turn bitter. Remove from heat immediately and set aside.

2. 2

   Warm the beans: Place the drained and rinsed white beans into a saucepan. Add a splash of water and warm over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes until steaming hot — warm beans blend smoother and creamier than cold ones. Drain well.

3. 3

   Blend to creamy perfection: Transfer the warm beans, sautéed garlic, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and plenty of black pepper into a food processor or blender. Pulse and blend until smooth and creamy. Add warm water, stock, or plant milk one tablespoon at a time, blending until you reach your ideal consistency — thick and spreadable like mashed potatoes, or lighter and silkier if preferred.

4. 4

   Adjust and taste: Taste and balance — add more lemon juice for brightness, salt for depth, pepper for warmth, or a little extra olive oil for richness. The flavours should be bright and well-balanced, with lemon and thyme shining through without overpowering the creamy bean base.

5. 5

   Serve beautifully: Spoon the mash into a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with cracked black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and a few strips of lemon zest. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Serve warm — delicious alongside roasted vegetables, grilled bread, steamed greens, or as a comforting side dish!