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Garlicky Beans with Lemon, Dill and Trout

Updated October 21, 2025 / By Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer

The name says it all. Our beloved Trader Joe’s smoked trout (no, seriously, it’s so good) makes regular old canned white beans into the easiest dinner ever.
Plate of white beans topped with fresh dill and smoked trout

Dinner-From-a-Can Has Never Tasted So Good

Is there anything white beans can’t do? They’re so creamy and starchy, they hit the pasta-and-potatoes spot, but deliver a much healthier dose of protein and fiber than their simple carb counterparts. At least a corner of the pantry is always reserved for canned white beans. And as for type? We love them all! Tiny cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or even butter beans! They are all wonderful. Any white bean that you love (or happen to have at home) will work just fine for this easy, savory, satisfying dish.

Our Favorite Tinned Smoked Trout

If you’re a tinned fish pro, you could play around with using different types of tinned fish in this easy recipe. Salmon might be nice, and good-quality, oil-packed tuna is never a bad idea. Perfect little scallops could even be nice here. Smoked trough is what we reach for 9 times out of 10, though, and here are three of our favorite places to buy it:

white plate topped white beans and oil topped with dill and smoked trout

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Plate of white beans topped with fresh dill and smoked trout

Garlicky Beans with Lemon, Dill and Trout Recipe

  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  5 min
  • Calories:  181

Description

We love this Garlicky Beans with Lemon, Dill, and Trout! White beans with garlic, lemon & fresh dill topped with smoked trout. Elegant 10-minute tinned fish dinner. So simple, so sophisticated!

Print Recipe

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    Ingredients

    • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
    • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, (from 2 lemons)
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
    • 1 (4-ounce) can smoked trout, drained

    Method

    1. In a small skillet over medium-high heat, combine the white beans, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, garlic and dill. Cook, stirring often, heat until the garlic is fragrant and sizzling, about 5 minutes.

    2. Transfer to a plate and top with smoked trout.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 181
    • Protein 11 g
    • Carbohydrates 17 g
    • Total Fat 9 g
    • Dietary Fiber 5 g
    • Cholesterol 0 mg
    • Sodium 429 mg
    • Total Sugars 0 g

    Garlicky Beans with Lemon, Dill and Trout

    Questions & Reviews

    Rated 4.8 stars by 5 readers

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    • Rebecca

      Delicious and I’m suggesting a squeeze of lemon over the top. The trout flavor takes over everything not that I’m complaining ; I might try just the beans next time

      Glad you enjoyed Rebecca!

    • Michela

      Hi there! First of all, big big fan!!!
      I was wondering if I can make this in the evening and keep in the refrigerator until
      next day - lunch time!

      Thanks!

      Aw, thanks Mchela! yes, that should be fine.

    • keekrock

      Any suggestions on what to serve this with? It seems like more of a side dish than an entrée.

      You could serve with crusty bread or a green salad, or both!

    • anna

      4-star rating

      Liked this a lot and grateful to find it with all of this in my pantry. I'd add lemon zest and dill at the end instead of sautéing for a brighter flavor. Red Pepper flakes a great addition.

      Thanks, so glad you loved it!

    • Alyssa

      5-star rating

      Great dish! I added a shallot with the garlic, sprinkled lemon juice and red pepper flakes at the end and it was super yummy!

      Thanks Alyssa, glad you loved it!

    • Kylen

      5-star rating

      Fantastic! I love to serve it over massaged kale and roasted brussels sprouts for a quick & easy salad.

      Thanks Kylen! We are so glad you loved it!

    • Emily

      5-star rating

      This was SO good! Enjoyed by everyone in our family, especially my 9 year old and me.
      Super fast and easy. Served with asparagus and a side of tortellini.

      Thank you Emily! We are so happy everyone loved it!

    • Jenn

      5-star rating

      Delicious recipe, thank you!

      Thanks Jenn, glad you loved it!