April 20, 2005
EWS: Spring Break
We interrupt the regularly scheduled "Grilled Pizza" entry for a test of the Emergency Warming System (EWS). (This is only a test.)
Woke up this morning my house was cold, checked the furnace, she wasn't burning.
Went out and hopped in my old Ford, hit the engine but she ain't turning.*
(Thank you, Bruce.)
Are you in need of a warm, winter dish? Seems the Spring weather hopped a train out of Munich and Germany in general ... for the past few days, a constant rain has fallen, the skies remain dark, the wind is colder every day. This White Bean "Eintopf" (Pot) will definitely hit the spot until warmer days return.
Ingredients:
1 lb (500 grams) dried white beans;
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced;
1 onion, chopped;
1/2 leek, thinly sliced;
4 cloves garlic, chopped;
2 slices cooked ham, chopped (or smoked turkey);
1.5 cups (350 ml) hot water;
1 tbsp Dijon mustard;
2 tbsp milk;
2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling;
handful of basil leaves, sliced;
Whole grain bread to serve
Method:
Soak white beans from 2 - 4 hours. Drain. Put in a pot with cold water to cover by an inch. Simmer for 2 hours or until the beans have absorbed much of the liquid and are very soft. Drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid (1/2 cup). Set aside 1 cup of beans for a dip or salad the next day.
Rinse out the pot, dry, and return to medium heat. Saute the rosemary, onions, and garlic in olive oil until soft and translucent. Add ham and stir for 5 minutes. Pour in water and stir to deglaze. Stir in reserved bean cooking liquid.
Return the beans to the pot and add: salt and pepper to taste, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Mash beans with pastry cutter or potato masher until you have the consistency you like. Stir in leeks. Cook over low heat, bubbling slightly for 30 minutes or more (it's very forgiving -- and tastes better the longer it sits). Before serving, stir in a handful of sliced basil. Plate and drizzle olive oil over. Garnish with whole grain bread.
Serves 2 with leftovers.
Puree leftovers and extra beans for a nice white bean dip.
* Bruuuuuuce Springsteen, One Step Up
