Gigante Beans

Gigante Beans

You'll find gigante beans in Mediterranean stores or at specialty food markets. If they aren't available, substitute a white bean such as Great Northern or flageolets. Beans are a good source of fiber and protein.

Per serving: 182 calories; 4 g protein; 14 g fat; 12 g carb; 4 g fiber.

Prep: 20 Minutes Total: 2 hours 45 minutes, plus soaking

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 3/4 cup dried gigante beans
• 2 bay leaves
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)
• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)
• 1 large stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 large garlic clove, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon anise seed
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, (from 1 lemon)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 3/4 cup parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Using a strainer, rinse beans. Place rinsed beans in a medium bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight.
2. Drain beans and rinse; put beans in a medium pot and cover with 6 inches of water. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender. Season with salt and cook an additional 5 minutes. Drain beans and discard bay leaves.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, season with salt and pepper, and stir frequently until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, anise seed, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add beans and thyme to vegetables and cook for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cool. Toss with parsley just before serving.

From Body+Soul, November/December 2006

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Gigante Beans

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Whole Living Action Plan 2011 -- Food and Recipes -- 28-Day Challenge