Garlic White Bean Mash with Lemon and Thyme

Name: Garlic White Bean Mash with Lemon and Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 x 15 oz canned white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans, rinsed and drained); 2 cloves of garlic; 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (stems removed and roughly chopped); ⅓ cup vegetable broth or water; ½ tbsp lemon juice (or to taste); salt and black pepper (to taste)

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This easy white bean mash makes for the best nutrient-packed savory side dish. Includes only 5 simple ingredients and can be prepared in as little as 10 minutes! Naturally vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Overhead view on a bowl of vegan white bean mash with lemon and fresh thyme.

This quick white bean mash makes for such a great side dish to pair with any main courses, like roasted vegetables or plant-based protein sources.

We often make mashed potatoes to serve with a vegan protein stew or a mushroom stroganoff gravy, but swapping the potatoes for this white bean mash can be an easy way (and quicker, no peeling potatoes!) to add more nutrients to your meal without even realizing it.

This cannellini bean mash takes minutes to prepare and it makes for a supercharged side that's packed with fiber, plant-based protein and even antioxidants. It is naturally vegan, dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free, so anyone can enjoy it no matter their diet!

Although super versatile, I like to flavor the beans with garlic, lemon and fresh thyme. Makes for such a delicious way to enjoy healthy beans and turning them into a mash also is a creative way to enjoy them.

It is similar to hummus in texture, although thicker, much quicker to make and usually served warm, too.

I love how it takes little to no effort to whip up together, perfect to add to your speedy mid-week meals.

Also is a perfect recipe to serve at the holiday table with all the gravy and hearty main dishes.

Let me know in the comments if you gave it a try! ❤️

Front angle view on a bowl of dairy-free white bean mash with lemon slices on the side.

Why you should try this recipe

Easy recipe and quick to prepare
Perfect healthy, low-calorie and rustic side dish
Rich in fiber and high protein
Great alternative to mashed potatoes
Budget-friendly
Delicious garlicky and lemony flavor
Made using only 5 simple ingredients
Naturally vegan and gluten-free

What kind of white beans can I use

I think most types of white beans can work to make this recipe.

I would avoid chickpeas as they are tougher in texture and would not give you a soft and smooth mash.

Otherwise, you can use navy beans, cannellini beans (also called white kidney beans), butter beans or great Northern beans. You can also make a mix of those kinds, just use a can of each.

Ingredients you will need

White beans: I used 2 cans of cannellini beans to make this recipe.
Vegetable broth: you will need a small amount (⅓ cup) to make the mash. I would not necessarily open up a box of broth as you will be stuck with the remaining. If you have a vegetable broth concentrate, then that would be perfect here. If not, then you can simply use water and add a little extra salt.
Garlic cloves: this recipe is good with lots of garlic and I think that if not using garlic, then the mash could turn too bland. So try not to omit it! I used 2 cloves, but use only one if you are sensitive to garlic.
Fresh thyme: there is a lot of variation on which herb you can use, but I think thyme is perfect for this recipe. You can swap for other herbs, especially rosemary or oregano. If you don't have any fresh herbs, then simply add some dried herbs to help flavor the mash.
Lemon: helps brighten up the whole flavor, add to taste.

Showing are the ingredients needed to make the recipe.

How to make an easy white bean mash recipe

This dish comes together in minutes. For that reason, I would wait for the rest of your meal to be almost ready to get the recipe started.

Rinse the cans of white beans and drain well. You don't want to water down the mash. Also, remove the stems on the thyme sprigs and roughly chop the herb.

Cook the aromatics

Warm up a large frying pan over medium heat with a little olive oil (or oil spray) and then, add the garlic with the thyme and a little salt.

Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute. Watch carefully so it does not burn!

Simmer the white beans

Add the white beans, broth and lemon juice. Stir and simmer for about 3 minutes.

Mash and finish up

Use a potato masher to crush the bean mixture right into the pan. Keep mashing until desired consistency.

Then, taste and adjust flavor (salt and lemon) and add more broth if needed to loosen up the mash. Serve the white bean purée right away!

In process picture: cook garlic and thyme.

In process picture: add broth, beans and lemon juice.

Helpful tips

For a smoother result, then you can also transfer the beans to a blender and blend until smooth. This would pulverize their skin and make the mash creamier. You can also use an immersion blender or a food processor.
If you end up cooking the garlic too much, meaning that it is browned too much or burnt, then start over as the flavor will be bitter.
Adjust the consistency to your taste: add more broth for a thinner result or let it cook down for a little longer for a thicker mash or spread.
You could also use roasted garlic to make it, which is usually less pungent and sweeter than fresh garlic. In that case, then simply add the garlic to the bean mash without cooking it in the pan first.

Close up on a vegan white bean mash with lemon.

Servings suggestions

I like to serve this healthy white bean mash just the same as mashed potatoes!

Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and some more chopped fresh thyme, if you want. Also, serve with a few lemon wedges to be able to make it extra zesty or simply top it with lemon zest.

You can top with some caramelized mushrooms and onions or try generously smothering the mash with this vegan onion gravy for such a delicious pairing. This mash also goes well simply with some roasted vegetables, especially red pepper and zucchini.

It can become a go-to healthy side to serve with any main dishes, but especially with:

More fun ways to serve this bean mash would be to spread some over crusty bread or focaccia and top it with pesto or roasted cherry tomatoes for an amazing lunch. You can also dollop leftovers on pizza or simply spread in sandwiches.

I like to also use this mash as a bed for vegan blackened tofu steaks! Just spread some on your plate and top it off with the tofu.

Variations

You can flavor the mash in a few different ways. I like combining garlic with lemon and thyme, but feel free to use different fresh herbs, such as fresh rosemary, parsley or oregano.

You can also add more spices to give it a different flavor profile, such as curry, chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder and garlic powder. A little nutritional yeast would also make it cheesy. It is so versatile!

Also, feel free to cook a finely chopped onion alongside the garlic until tender, this can add more depth in flavor.

Close up on a white bean mash showing its super creamy texture.

Storage tips

Keep the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and then use the microwave or the stove.

FAQs

How can I mash the white beans without a potato masher?

The white beans should be soft enough to be mashed using any tools from the kitchen, such as the back of a fork, a large spoon or a wooden spoon.

Can I make this recipe using dry beans?

Yes, although you will have to cook the white beans until tender before making this recipe, which will take a few hours extra. Here is a guide on how to cook white beans from scratch.

More white bean recipes you might like

I hope you like this garlic white bean mash recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!

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