White Beans au Vin

White Beans au Vin

This recipe uses canned white beans in place of chicken for a quick and totally vegetarian riff on classic coq au vin. Mushrooms, red wine, Cognac and a splash of balsamic vinegar stirred in just before serving help this dish develop an impressive depth of flavor in just a short time. The quality of your vegetable broth makes a big difference here; use an organic or other good-quality brand for best results.
  • Total:
  • Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots and shallots, season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2

    Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Step 3

    Add the thyme sprigs and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the wine and tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine is almost completely evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4

    Add the beans, broth, Cognac, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to low, partly cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5

    Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Off the heat, stir in the parsley and balsamic vinegar; season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among shallow bowls and sprinkle with more parsley, if desired.