Tuscan-Style Beans on Toast
This Tuscan-Style Beans on Toast recipe transforms humble ingredients into a remarkably satisfying and quick meal, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
For 2 servings
Rinse and thoroughly drain the canned navy beans. Mince the garlic and thinly slice the fresh sage leaves.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced sage leaves, along with the optional red pepper flakes, and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
While the aromatics are cooking, toast the sourdough bread slices to your desired crispness. You can use a toaster, a toaster oven, or a pan.
Add the rinsed and drained navy beans to the skillet with the garlic and sage. Stir to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Using the back of a spoon or a fork, lightly mash about half of the beans directly in the skillet. This creates a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole for substance.
Stir in the sea salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Carefully transfer the warm bean mixture onto the toasted sourdough slices, piling it generously. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve immediately as a satisfying light meal or appetizer.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't over-mash the beans; leaving some whole adds a pleasing textural contrast to the creamy base.
- 2Use good quality extra virgin olive oil, as its flavor is prominent in this simple dish.
- 3Fresh sage is crucial for the authentic Tuscan flavor; dried sage can be used in a pinch but reduce the quantity to 1/2 teaspoon.
- 4For extra crunch, lightly rub the toasted sourdough with a cut garlic clove before topping with the beans.
Adapt it for your goals.
Bean Swap
Substitute cannellini beans or great northern beans for navy beans for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking for added color and nutrients.
Cheesy TwistCheesy Twist
For a non-vegan option, sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the beans before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Navy beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a good amount of plant-based protein from the beans, making it a satisfying and muscle-supporting meal, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. Soak and cook dried navy beans according to package directions until tender, then use 1.5 cups of cooked beans in place of the canned beans.
