Brothy Heirloom Beans With Cream

A comforting dish of tender heirloom beans simmered in chicken stock with aromatic thyme and finished with rich heavy cream. Perfect as a hearty side dish or light main course.

6 servings
1 hr 35 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed dried heirloom beans, soaked overnight
  • 2 quarts chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • to taste kosher salt and pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • to taste flaky sea salt
  • to taste olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring beans, stock, and thyme sprigs to a gentle simmer in a medium pot over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, skimming any foam from surface, until beans are tender, 1-1 1/2 hours, depending on types. Discard thyme. Season with kosher salt and pepper, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes.

    90 min

  2. 2.

    Return to a simmer; stir in cream. Season with more kosher salt and pepper if needed. Serve topped with thyme leaves and sea salt and drizzled with oil.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Beans can be cooked 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.