We had an impromptu dinner party the other day and it turned out to be our friend Sachi’s birthday. I was testing this recipe on the guests and it was good enough to give a name. So it’s Sachi’s Birthday Beans.
Sachi’s Birthday Beans
serves 4-5
2 cans white beans
1 2” wide slab unsliced bacon or pancetta
1 carrot
1 onion
8 button mushrooms
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 cups broth
1/2 tsp herbes de Provence
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp vinegar
1 Tblsp olive oil
pepper to taste
Cut the bacon into 1” cubes. Cut the carrot, onion and mushrooms into similar sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
In an oven-safe casserole dish, heat the olive oil. Fry the bacon until slightly crispy. Add the carrot, onion and garlic, sautee until the onions begin to turn transparent.
Deglaze the pan with some of the broth. Drain the beans and rinse them well before adding to the casserole. Toss in the mushrooms and stir. Season with herbs, sugar, vinegar and pepper.
The casserole can be cooked on the stovetop over a low flame or in a warm oven (100 C) for several hours. The longer the better, as it allows the smoky bacon flavor to permeate the beans. Three hours worked nicely on Sachi’s birthday.
Serve with salad, crusty bread and a bottle of wine.
Posted by kuri at November 03, 2005 09:35 AM