Category: BEANS

SWEET & SOUR GREEN BEANS ~ BLOG 366.163

SWEET & SOUR GREEN BEANS
2 pounds green beans, trimmed
3/4 pound bacon, diced
2 LARGE shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken bone broth
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Blanch the beans in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until crisp tender.
  • Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside to drain.
  • In a large skillet add bacon pieces, sauteing until crisp tender. Using slotted spoon remove bacon to drain on paper toweling. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
  • Add shallots and garlic, sauteing 3-5 minutes until tender.
  • Whisk together broth, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt and pepper until smooth.
  • Add green beans to skillet.
  • Add bacon pieces
  • Pour sauce over beans and stir to coat well.
  • Heat through and serve hot.

SOUTHWEST BLACK EYED PEAS ~ BLOG 366.89

SOUTHWEST BLACK EYED PEAS
1 pound black eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, chopped
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 ounces pork belly, chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small can chopped green chiles, drained
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
1 tablespoon FRESH minced thyme
4 cups homemade chicken stock
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 ham hocks

  • Place peas in a large dutch oven. Add water and cover by 2 inches.
  • Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1-2 hours.
  • Drain and rinse peas. Set aside.
  • In the dutch oven heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion, sauteing until tender.
  • Add pork, garlic, green chiles, thyme, pepper flakes, FRESH ground salt and pepper, cooking 1 minute more.
  • Add the broth, peas and ham hocks.
  • Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered 35-40 minutes or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as necessary.
  • Remove ham hocks, cool and remove meat from bone.
  • Finely chop meat and return to the pan.
  • Discard bones.

CHEESY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.178

A new twist to the traditional green bean casserole.

CHEESY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE serves 4

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 small shallot, FINELY diced
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/3 cup WHOLE milk
2/3 cup HOMEMADE chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups (12 ounces) frozen green beans, thawed
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup French’s fried onions, crushed FINE

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 8×8 baking dish. Set aside.
  • In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add shallots and garlic, sautéing 1 minute until soft.
  • Whisk in flour until smooth and golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, simmering and stirring constantly 2-3 minutes until thickens.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in cheese until smooth.
  • Fold in green beans, stirring to combine.
  • Transfer to baking dish.
  • Sprinkle crumbled fried onions evenly over.
  • Bake uncovered 30 minutes until bubbling and golden.

NOTE: For an even deeper flavor, switch out the chicken broth for your favorite lager beer.

SATURDAY NIGHT BAKED BEANS aka COWBOY BEANS ~ BLOG 365.174

SATURDAY NIGHT BAKED BEANS aka COWBOY BEANS

1 1/2 pounds dried beans (I use a combination of navy, pinto and black beans)
1 smoked ham hock
2 tablespoons salt
8 cups HOMEMADE stock
1 pound QUALITY ground beef
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, small diced
1/2 pound salt pork, cut into small cubes
1/2 bacon, diced
1 can hominy, chopped small
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup PURE maple syrup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup jalapeño ketchup
1 tablespoon Coleman’s dry mustard (optional)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cups dark brown sugar

  • Soak beans overnight, sort out the bad ones and then drain off the water.

 

  • In a large dutch oven cover the ham hock with 8 cups HOMEMADE chicken stock. Simmer 1-2 hours until meat is falling from the bone and liquid has cooked down to about half. Add meat to the slow cooker.
  • Cover the beans and chopped hominy with the ham hock broth in a large dutch oven. Add 2 tablespoons salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 25-30 minutes until softened. Drain (but reserve liquid) and add beans to slow cooker.
  • Whisk together the molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper, jalapeno ketchup and mustard if using. Pour into slow cooker.
  • While beans are simmering brown the ground beef with the onion pieces. Drain and add to slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet brown the bacon and salt pork until JUST crisp. Drain off grease and add to slow cooker.
  • Stir everything together until well mixed. Add enough of the reserved ham hock liquid to just cover the beans, stirring to combine.
  • Cook on high for 1-2 hours and then on low for 5-6 hours. Stir occasionally, adding just enough water to keep beans from drying out.

SWEET & SOUR BEANS ~ BLOG 365.139

This is a wonderful recipe that I found when my friend lent me her mom and grandma’s recipe boxes to go through. It has SOOOO MUCH flavor and has quickly become a favorite way to prepare beans. She thought it was her mom Maxine’s recipe, but when I showed her the recipe she said the writing was too neat, so we’ll never know.

SWEET & SOUR BEANS
1 tablespoon butter
2 cans great northern/Cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
2 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 LARGE shallot or SMALL onion, chopped small
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup homemade chicken broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 small can chopped green chiles, drained WELL

  • Melt butter in small skillet.
  • Add shallots/onions, sauteing until tender.
  • Add vinegar, brown sugar and chicken stock, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add beans and green chiles, stirring to coat well.
  • Simmer 10-15 minutes.
  • Fold in bacon JUST before serving.

ZESTY GARLIC GREEN BEANS ~ BLOG 365.129

ZESTY GARLIC GREEN BEANS
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 LARGE shallot, sliced thin
1/3 cup HOMEMADE chicken broth
1/2 cup oil-packed chopped sun dried tomatoes
2 – 16 ounce packages frozen green beans (french style are best)
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes
3 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon

  • Heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add shallots, sauteing 2-3 minutes.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sauteing 2 minutes more.
  • Stir in green beans and broth, simmering 5-10 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed.
  • Add grape tomatoes, sauteing a few minutes until tomatoes wilt and heat through.
  • Stir in lemon juice.

PEAS & PEAS with SHALLOTS ~ BLOG 365.96

PEAS & PEAS with SHALLOTS
Oh so easy, but packed with a crunch and deep flavor.

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 cup frozen peas
3-4 shallots, THINLY sliced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • In a large heavy skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add half the shallots, sautéing until crisp.
  • Spoon out shallots to drain on paper toweling.
  • Add snap peas, frozen peas and remaining shallots, cooking and stirring 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Top with crisp shallots if desired.

KENTUCKY STYLE WHITE “BAKED” BEANS ~ BLOG 365.68

KENTUCKY STYLE ‘BAKED’ WHITE BEANS adapted from COOK’S COUNTRY
1/2 pound country ham steak, roughly chopped small or shredded
1 tablespoon butter or avocado oil
1 LARGE shallot, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (15 ounce) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2-3/4 pound ham hock (optional)
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (I like mesquite, but hickory is also good)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Heat butter over medium heat in a dutch oven until melted.
  • Add shallots, cooking until soft and beginning to brown.
  • Add garlic, sautéing a minute more until fragrant.
  • Add beans, water, broth, liquid smoke, vinegar, ham hock and ham pieces and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until beans are tender.
  • Remove ham hock if using.
  • Season to taste and serve.

GREEN BEAN RADISH SALAD

This makes a PERFECT side dish and is also perfect for any BBQ, picnic, church social or potluck.

GREEN BEAN RADISH SALAD

2 pounds green beans, trimmed to 1 1/2 inch lengths
1 + 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon grated zest juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 LARGE garlic clove, minced
8 regular radishes, thinly sliced (or 1 LARGE watermelon radish, halved & sliced)
1/4 cup avocado oil
3 tablespoons FRESH minced dill or thyme
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil.
  • Add ice and COLD water halfway to a LARGE mixing bowl.
  • Add green beans to boiling water, cooking 5-6 minutes to tender crisp.
  • Drain immediately and place beans in water bath to cool.
  • Drain completely and spin dry or use a towel to dry.
  • Whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard and shallot until well blended.
  • SLOWLY whisk in oil until incorporated.
  • Toss radishes, green beans and dill or thyme together with vinaigrette.
  • Chill 2 hours before serving.
  • Toss with almonds and season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper just before serving.

CREAMY WHITE BEANS

CREAMY WHITE BEANS
BEANS
12 ounces dried white beans
1 medium onion, LARGE diced
5-6 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 sprig thyme
1 calabrian chile
2 cups baby spinach

  • Rinse the beans.
  • Add beans to a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water.
  • Add onions, garlic, thyme and chile.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer on medium-low.
  • Simmer 50-60 minutes until beans are tender.
  • Stir in spinach and season to taste.

SPICY HERB OIL
1/2 cup avocado oil
1 tablespoon FRESH minced thyme leaves
4 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon fennel seeds

  • Heat oil in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat.
  • Add thyme, garlic, red pepper flakes and fennel seeds.
  • Cook until the garlic is golden and herbs are fragrant.
  • Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

  • Puree about 2 cups of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth.
  • Stir puree back into the beans.
  • Transfer the beans to serving bowl.
  • Pour spicy herb oil over top and serve with crusty bread.

AUTHENTIC BRITISH MUSHY PEAS

I scoured the internet for a good recipe for authentic British Mushy Peas. Eventually I combined several recipes to make my favorite version with the perfect flavor and texture. You can find a version of authentic British mushy peas in your favorite English pub or eatery.

AUTHENTIC BRITISH MUSHY PEAS serves 6


9 ounces dried marrowfat peas
2-3 cups boiling water
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 cups homemade chicken bone broth OR 1 1/2 cups broth + 1 1/2 cups water
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1-2 tablespoons butter, to taste

  • Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water.
  • Place the dried marrowfat peas in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them so they’re covered by at least 3 inches of water.  Give the peas a stir then leave them to soak for at least 12 hours.
  • Drain and rinse the peas and place them in a pot with broth.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Once the peas have fully broken down add the salt and pepper. 
Continue to simmer with the lid off until it thickens to your liking. (see notes)If the peas are too thick, add a little water.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste adding more if needed.
 Once the peas are done they will start to thicken the longer they sit.
  • Top with butter pat if desired.

NOTES

  • They can be reheated by adding a bit of water, but are really best the first day.
  • Simmer time will depend on the particular crop and the age of the peas.
  • Marrowfat peas are larger, have a higher starch content and the best flavor and texture than other dried peas and are best for traditional mushy peas.

STOVE TOP BACON “BAKED” BEANS

STOVE TOP BACON “BAKED” BEANS
8 thick-cut slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 LARGE bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 red bell pepper, chopped
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste (more pepper than salt since the bacon is salty)
4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tablespoon Garden Gourmet chunky garlic paste
2 cups KINDERS or Guy Fieri Carolina Mop BBQ sauce or
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons QUALITY champagne vinegar
Two 15.5-ounce cans navy beans, rinsed and drained
Sliced scallions, for finishing

  • Leave the bacon grease in the pan and add the onion and bell pepper.
  • Season with a pinch of salt, cooking and stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the garlic sautéing 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
  • Add the BBQ sauce, molasses, vinegar and half of the bacon.
  • Season again with another pinch of salt.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil over medium heat and reduce to a simmer.
  • Stir in the beans, simmering until thickened, about 15 minutes.
  • Season to taste.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining bacon and scallions.
  • Serve immediately.