This bean stew proves “healthy comfort food” isn’t necessarily an oxymoron. Trust us: this bean and vegetable stew is anything but a penance. It’s a creamy and tasty soup that can be declined year-round using seasonal vegetables, and it’s a great way to empty your crisper drawer when your veggies are about to wilt. So how does an uninspiring bean stew turn into an explosion of umami and a velvety texture? To upgrade flavors and unlock all the aromas, we simply add some Colatura at the very first steps of the recipe. A game-changer.
Ingredients
SERVES: 4-6 people
TIME: About 1 hour and a half (+ beans soaking time)
- EVOO, 2 tablespoons + more for drizzling
- Leek, 1 large, sliced thinly
- Garlic, 1 clove, minced finely
- Colatura, 2 tablespoons
- Mixed chopped fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini, cauliflower, or any root vegetable), 4 cups
- Thyme, 1 teaspoon
- Rosemary, 1 teaspoon, chopped
- San Marzano tomatoes, 1 can (400 grams/14.1 oz)
- Borlotti beans, 3 cups
- Bean cooking liquid, 1 and 1/2 cup
- Bay leaves, 2
- Chili peppers in EVOO, 1 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
- Soak the beans in salted water overnight.
- Drain Borlotti and place them in a pot. Fill with enough water to cover by at least 3 inches. Season with salt and bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered, skimming the surface of foam as needed.
- Beans will be cooked when they have an evenly tender texture, but still a bite (approximately 1 hour).
- Drain the beans, saving their cooking water.
- Put the EVOO in a large pot over medium heat. Add leak and garlic, and once they start sizzling pour in the Colatura. Cook until soften (about 4 minutes).
- Add mixed vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the herbs and stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add tomatoes, beans, 1 cup of bean cooking liquid, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring once in a while, until the beans are creamy and the vegetables are melting away (about 20 minutes). Taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Serve and finish by drizzling a little EVOO and garnishing with parsley or rosemary.