Beans in Tomato Sauce with Melted Ricotta Recipe
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender white beans simmered in a rich, smooth cherry tomato sauce, finished with creamy melted ricotta and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 medium shallot (diced small)
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste or minced garlic (10 grams)
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes (340 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons water (45-60 ml)
Main Ingredients
- 1 can white beans (15.5 oz / 439 grams, drained, such as cannellini or great northern beans)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (250 grams) (or burrata, stracciatella, or cream cheese)
- 1 tablespoon chopped or chiffonaded basil (plus more whole leaves for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil to prepare for cooking the aromatics.
- Add shallot: Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing its sweetness into the oil.
- Add garlic: Stir in the garlic paste or minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add cherry tomatoes and water: Add the cherry tomatoes along with 3-4 tablespoons of water. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently pressing the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to help them burst and release their juices, forming a sauce. Add more water if necessary to maintain a bubbling sauce consistency.
- Reduce heat and blend: Lower the heat to medium and carefully use an immersion blender to blend the tomato sauce until smooth, creating a velvety base for the beans.
- Add beans and chopped basil: Stir in the drained white beans and chopped basil. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are warmed through and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Stir in ricotta cheese: Add the ricotta cheese and cook for another minute or so, allowing it to just begin melting into the sauce, adding a creamy richness to the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve hot with crusty, buttered bread for dipping and enjoying the luscious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta with burrata, stracciatella, or cream cheese for different creamy textures.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less water as it simmers.
- Use fresh basil for the best aromatic flavor and garnish.
- This dish can be easily doubled to serve more people.
- For added flavor, consider a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.
