In the world of slow - cooker recipes, there's something truly magical about a homey white bean casserole. This particular dish brings a touch of French elegance to your kitchen, thanks to the use of herbes de Provence. Herbes de Provence is a delightful French blend that typically consists of thyme, rosemary, lavender, basil, and either savory or marjoram. These herbs combine to create a symphony of flavors that transform a simple white bean stew into a culinary masterpiece.

Let's start by understanding the importance of herbes de Provence in this recipe. Thyme, with its earthy and slightly minty flavor, adds a depth that grounds the dish. Rosemary brings a piney and robust note, which pairs beautifully with the beans. Lavender, although a bit more subtle, imparts a floral and slightly sweet undertone that makes the casserole unique. Basil contributes its well - known fresh and slightly peppery taste, while savory or marjoram adds a warm and slightly bitter edge, enhancing the overall complexity of the flavors.

If you're having trouble finding herbes de Provence in the spice section of your local grocery store, don't fret. You have a couple of alternatives. One option is to look online. There are numerous spice retailers that offer a wide variety of blends, including herbes de Provence. Another option is to use Italian seasoning as a substitute. While it won't have the exact same flavor profile as the French blend, Italian seasoning, which usually contains oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, will still add a delicious flavor to your white bean casserole.

Now, let's get into the actual recipe. First, gather your ingredients. You'll need a pound of dried white beans. Soak them overnight in water. This step is crucial as it helps to reduce the cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest. Drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly.

Next, you'll want to prepare your vegetables. Dice up an onion, a couple of cloves of garlic, and a few carrots. The onion will add a sweet and savory base, the garlic will bring a pungent kick, and the carrots will add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. Heat a little bit of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Then add the garlic and carrots and cook for a few more minutes until they start to soften.

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the slow cooker as well. Sprinkle about two tablespoons of herbes de Provence (or Italian seasoning if you're using that instead) over the beans and vegetables. Add a cup of chicken or vegetable broth. The broth will not only add flavor but also help to keep the beans moist during the slow - cooking process.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor. Stir everything well to ensure that the beans, vegetables, and seasonings are evenly combined. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 6 - 8 hours. The slow - cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and creamy white bean casserole.

After the cooking time is up, check the beans. They should be tender but not mushy. If the casserole seems a bit too liquidy, you can remove the lid and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to thicken it up. Once it reaches your desired consistency, your white bean casserole is ready to be served.

You can serve this delicious casserole on its own as a hearty meal, or you can pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. It's also great with a simple green salad for a more balanced meal. This slow - cooker white bean casserole is perfect for those cold winter days when you want a warm and comforting dish that doesn't require a lot of hands - on time in the kitchen. It's a great way to bring a taste of France into your home and enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends.

In conclusion, this white bean casserole with herbes de Provence is a must - try recipe. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, it's a relatively easy recipe that yields amazing results. So, the next time you're looking for a new slow - cooker recipe, give this one a go and experience the wonderful flavors of this French - inspired dish.