Creamy White Bean & Root Vegetable Gratin with Fall Herbs
This layered gratin blends earthy white beans, roasted root vegetables, and a silky herb-infused cream sauce scented with thyme, rosemary, and sage. Baked until bubbling and golden, it delivers rich, comforting flavors with a whisper of forest air and woodsmoke—like a walk through an herb garden on a crisp October morning.
Servings 6
Calories 377kcal
Ingredients
Vegetables & Beans
- 2 medium parsnips thinly sliced
- 1 sweet potato peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can 15 oz white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
Herb Cream Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or oat/soy cream for vegan option
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of white wine
Toppings;:
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or aged cheddar or vegan cheese shreds
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed nuts e.g., hazelnuts or walnuts
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Herb Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cream, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or wine. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Gratin: In a greased baking dish, layer sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and white beans. Pour the herb cream sauce evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden, bubbling, and tender.
- Rest & Serve: Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Optional Additions:
- Add sautéed mushrooms between layers for an umami boost
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or microgreens before serving
- Serve with a crisp apple & walnut salad and crusty bread
- Calories: 377
-
Total Fat: 25.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0.08 g
- Cholesterol: 77 mg
- Sodium: 163 mg
-
Total Carbohydrate: 24.5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.6 g
- Total Sugars: 4.0 g
- Includes Added Sugars: ~0 g (breadcrumbs may add trace)
- Net Carbs: 19.9 g
- Protein: 8.7 g
- Calcium: 210 mg (≈16% DV)
- Iron: 2.27 mg (≈13% DV)
- Magnesium: 47 mg (≈11% DV)
- Potassium: 534 mg (≈11% DV)
