More Fresh Beans

I really love beans and this time of year when they are available fresh I just can't seem to get enough of them. They are really so easy to shell it's kind of a relaxing zen moment. You can do this recipe with fresh if you can get them but dried works just as well, you just have to soak them overnight and cook them for a couple hours.

Large White Beans

1/2 lb. large white beans sometimes called Gigante or Italian Butter Beans (1 lb if fresh)

1/2 onion chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

3 slices bacon or pancetta chopped

2 cups chicken broth, approx. 

s&p

fresh sage

Saute the onions and bacon in the oil until bacon is a little crispy and onion is soft. Add the beans and broth to cover by a couple inches. Cook about 30-45 min. if fresh until tender and a couple hours if dried. Add s&p to taste and a little chopped fresh sage. Take about 1/2 cup of the beans and smash them up adding a little more olive oil and add back to the beans to thicken. Great with some grilled sausages or roasted chicken.