Marcella Hazan's White Beans with Garlic and Sage
Bean soaking method: Cooks Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking. Stewy Beans adapted from Marcella Hazans Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking (In the book, the recipe is called White Bean Soup with Garlic and Parlsey) Serves 2 This is a half recipe, so if you wish to make more, double the quantities keeping the cup of water/stock the same. Marcella adds parsley (no sage) to her beans, so if that sounds nice, go for it — she adds the parsley at the very end. She also purees a half cup of the beans through a food mill. I find this step unnecessary because the beans break down on their own.
Bean soaking method: Cooks Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking. Stewy Beans adapted from Marcella Hazans Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking (In the book, the recipe is called White Bean Soup with Garlic and Parlsey) Serves 2 This is a half recipe, so if you wish to make more, double the quantities keeping the cup of water/stock the same. Marcella adds parsley (no sage) to her beans, so if that sounds nice, go for it — she adds the parsley at the very end. She also purees a half cup of the beans through a food mill. I find this step unnecessary because the beans break down on their own.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic smashed
- 1 leaf
- bread for serving
- â¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 qts water
- 1 lb. dried white beans such as cannellini or great northern
- 1 onion peeled and halved through the core
- a few sprigs thyme
- 1 small bundle sage optional
- 3 cups cooked white beans drained
- 1 cup water chicken stock or vegetable stock, plus more as needed
- grated parmigiano reggiano for serving
- Carbohydrate 28.26189561 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.38135446825 g
- Fiber 6.01560866463435 g
- Protein 8.8532015155 g
- Saturated Fat 0.1021825503 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (679g)
- Sodium 42.6300478561702 mg
- Sugar 22.2462869453657 g
- Trans Fat 0.08555681735 g
- Calories 148 calories
Step-by-step
- Soaking and cooking the beans: Dissolve the 3 tablespoons of salt into the water. Add the beans and soak for 8 to 24 hours. Drain, rinse and place in a pot with the onion, thyme, garlic, bay leaf and remaining teaspoon of salt. Cover with water by three inches. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook at the gentlest simmer for about 45 minutes or until the beans are cooked through. Let beans cool in their cooking liquid. Discard thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and onion. Store beans in their cooking liquid.
- Making the stewed beans: Place the oil and chopped garlic (and sage bundle if using) in a soup pot and turn the heat to medium. Cook the garlic, stirring it until it becomes colored a very pale gold.
- Add the beans, a pinch of salt (I added about ½ teaspoon kosher salt, but you may want less), and a few grindings of pepper. Turn the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Uncover, add the cup of water or stock and simmer for another 6 to 8 minutes or until some of the beans have broken down and turned the broth creamy. Taste, and correct for salt and pepper. Turn off the heat. Note: If the bean liquid thickens up too much, add water or stock as needed to thin it out. If you make this ahead and plan on reheating, you most likely will need to thin with water or stock. Taste again, and correct seasoning as needed.
- Place toasted bread into soup bowls. Ladle beans over top. Shave cheese over top.
Marcella Hazan's Simple White Bean Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the general chaos of family life. But even amidst the frenzy, I crave nourishing food that satisfies both my body and my soul. That's where this recipe, inspired by the culinary legend Marcella Hazan, comes in. Her white bean recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can create an extraordinary meal.
This recipe isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a comforting hug in a bowl. The creamy texture of the beans, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of the garlic and the aromatic sage, is unbelievably satisfying. It's a dish that transports me, if only for a moment, to a slower pace of life – a quiet evening spent enjoying a well-deserved meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. On busy evenings, I can easily double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. And for those nights when I want a little extra indulgence, I might add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil.
Beyond the Recipe: What I love most about this dish, beyond its deliciousness, is its simplicity. It's a recipe that teaches patience and mindfulness. The process of soaking the beans, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors, is a meditative act. It's a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. In today's fast-paced world, we often rush through our meals, but taking the time to savour each bite of this dish is a true act of self-care.
I’ve found that cooking, even simple recipes like this one, is a powerful way to de-stress and connect with myself. It's a mindful activity that allows me to escape the daily grind and focus on the present moment. And the delicious reward at the end? It’s the perfect ending to a long day.
The Comfort of Familiar Flavors: There's something uniquely comforting about familiar flavors. This recipe, with its simple yet deeply satisfying ingredients, evokes a sense of nostalgia. It reminds me of meals shared with family and friends – simple gatherings filled with laughter and love. The aroma alone is enough to fill a kitchen with warmth and happiness, setting a peaceful and inviting tone for the evening.
This is more than just a recipe; it's a gateway to mindful eating and a celebration of simple ingredients. It’s a perfect recipe to share with loved ones, a culinary hug wrapped in a bowl of deliciousness.
A Legacy of Flavor: Marcella Hazan's legacy extends beyond her incredible recipes; it's about the connection between food, family, and tradition. Her approach to cooking emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and simple techniques, resulting in dishes that are both delicious and deeply satisfying. This white bean recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy. It's a testament to the power of simplicity and the enduring beauty of traditional Italian cuisine.
So, the next time you're looking for a simple, yet deeply rewarding meal, try Marcella Hazan's white beans. Let the soothing aroma fill your kitchen, and allow the comforting flavors to nourish both your body and soul. This dish is not merely a meal; it's an experience, a reminder of the beauty in simplicity, and a testament to the enduring power of good food.
