Description
This French Onion White Bean Skillet is a rich, creamy, and flavorful vegan dish featuring tender caramelized onions, white beans, and a creamy coconut milk base. Perfect as a hearty main or a comforting side, it can be enjoyed on its own, over rice or pasta, or paired with crusty bread. The recipe uses dairy-free ingredients, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy while delivering deep, savory flavors reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or dairy-free butter (optional)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow onions preferred)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp vegan “beef” bouillon
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
Beans and Creamy Mixture
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp dairy-free parmesan
Garnish
- ½ cup parsley leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or dairy-free butter if using. Add the thinly sliced onions and increase the heat slightly. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions begin releasing their liquid and start to become tender.
- Simmer with Broth: Mix the water and vegan “beef” bouillon in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the onions simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until they become very tender and infused with the broth flavor.
- Caramelize the Onions: Uncover the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add the sea salt and maple syrup, stirring occasionally, letting the onions brown deeply and caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in the garlic powder, ground thyme, and black pepper to evenly coat the caramelized onions and build layers of seasoning.
- Combine Beans and Cream: Pour in the rinsed and drained white beans, then stir in balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, full-fat coconut milk, and dairy-free parmesan. Mix well and season to taste as desired.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the skillet and stir just before serving. Enjoy hot as a standalone dish, over rice or pasta, alongside your favorite protein, or with warm crusty bread or naan for dipping.
Notes
- Use yellow onions for the best flavor, but other onion varieties work well too.
- The vegan “beef” bouillon adds a deep umami flavor; substitute with vegetable bouillon if preferred.
- Full-fat coconut milk provides creaminess and richness while keeping the dish dairy-free.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the mixture longer to reduce liquid.
- For a less sweet dish, reduce or omit the maple syrup.
- This recipe is suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets.
- Serve with your choice of grains or bread to make it a complete meal.
