
Braised beans with tomatoes and herbs is a hearty, savory dish where tender beans are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce, often infused with aromatic herbs like bay leaf, thyme, or oregano. Common variations include cannellini, kidney, or pinto beans, and it's a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, celebrated for its comforting and rustic qualities.
This dish is a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making it filling and nutritious, while being relatively low in fat. A typical serving provides a good amount of iron, potassium, and vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs, with a calorie range of approximately 250-350 per serving depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8.5 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg |
| Vitamin A | 850 IU |
| Folate | 110 mcg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Phosphorus | 130 mg |
| Vitamin K | 12 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, this dish is a testament to the simplicity and resourcefulness of peasant cooking, transforming humble ingredients into a flavorful meal. Nutritionally, the combination of tomatoes and herbs not only enhances taste but also increases the bioavailability of certain nutrients, like lycopene from tomatoes, which is better absorbed when cooked with a little fat.