Food, drink, film and other random thoughts from The Lone Star State.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

A Use For White Beans

I have a super high-fiber diet, mostly due to beans. I love them, all kinds but I had never made much of anything with the white bean.

Until now. (The following was approved by my official taster, Neighbor Blair)

White Bean Salad With Lemon and Cumin

  • 2 C White (Northern) Beans (dry)
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 1 1/2 t Salt
  • 1/2 Red Onion, diced
  • 1/2 C Cilantro, chopped
  • 6 Tbls Olive Oil
  • 5 Tbls Lemon juice, fresh
  • 2 t Cumin
  • 1/4 t Chipotle or Cayenne

1 Place beans in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by 3 inches. Soak overnight.

2 Drain beans then place in a large saucepan. Add bay leaves and enough water to cover the beans by a couple of inches then bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat then simmer for 40 minutes. Add salt then cook until beans are tender but firm, another 10-20 minutes.

3 Drain beans then place in a large bowl, picking out the bay leaves. Add onion and cilantro. Whisk olive oil, lemon, cumin and hot pepper in a small bowl. Pour over beans then toss lightly.

Notes: Dont use canned white beans, too mushy making the whole thing look and feel like a paste.

If you aren't a cilantro fan, try parsley instead. I liked the cilantro version better but that's me.

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