cranberry beans

This simple salad is seasoned with nothing more than salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Made with fresh summer produce, it allows the vegetables’ flavor and sweetness to shine through, needing little adornment. But you can also dress the salad with oil and vinegar and garnish with some meaty anchovy fillets, or use an anchovy vinaigrette (see note); these are just as delicious spooned over large spicy arugula leaves. Halved nine-minute eggs would be another nice accompaniment.

Summer Vegetable Salad

olive oil

Kosher salt and black pepper

thyme bay leaf

beans beans

eggplants

Anchovy fillets or anchovy vinaigrette, optional (see note)

Basil leaves,

Put the shelling beans in a pot with water just to cover. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, a good pinch of salt and herb sprig. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes, until beans are tender. Remove from heat, but let beans remain in their broth to stay moist.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the Romano beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, leaving them slightly al dente. Drain and spread the beans out on a large plate to cool.

Cut eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Paint each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides, then season with salt and pepper on both sides.

On a hot grill, under a hot broiler, or in a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook eggplant slices, in batches, for about 3 minutes per side until softened and lightly browned. With a spatula, transfer slices to a platter in one layer to cool.

To assemble the salad, drain the shelling beans (save broth for another use), discarding herb sprig, and place in a wide, deep platter or salad bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper and a tablespoon of olive oil.

Season the Romano beans and tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper and a tablespoon of olive oil.

Top shelling beans with Romano beans and tomatoes and toss briefly. Tuck grilled eggplant slices here and there. Garnish with basil leaves and anchovy fillets, if using. Drizzle with vinaigrette, if using. Serve at room temperature.

We sauté carrots in aromatic garlic oil, along with tomato paste for depth of flavor; just a touch of cinnamon imparts a subtle sweet, warm spice. In addition to broth, we cook the beans in white wine for acidity, and letting them cook through in the gentle heat of the oven ensures that they are perfectly cooked without constant monitoring.

Cranberry Beans with Warm Spices

table salt (for brining)

water (divided)

cranberry beans (picked over and rinsed)

garlic oil

carrots (peeled and finely chopped)

tomato paste

cinnamon

black pepper

dry white wine

chicken stock or vegetable broth

lemon juice (plus more for seasoning)

mint

Soak

In a large bowl or container, dissolve salt in 4 quarts cold water. Add beans and soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Drain in a colander and rinse well.

Preheat

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Cook

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, warm oil until shimmering. Add carrots and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, cinnamon, and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

Heat

Stir in wine, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Stir in broth, 1/2 cup of water, and beans and bring to boil.

Braise

Cover the Dutch oven, transfer to oven, and cook until beans are tender, about 1 hour, stirring after 30 minutes.

Serve

Stir in lemon juice and mint. Season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice, to taste. Adjust consistency with extra hot water as needed. Serve.

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Summer Vegetable Salad

Cranberry Beans with Warm Spices

Top 2 cranberry beans recipes from across the web

The most viewed cranberry beans recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

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Summer Vegetable Salad

Cranberry Beans with Warm Spices

The most viewed cranberry beans recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine