White Bean And Watercress Gratin Recipes

WATERCRESS PESTO WITH WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• Put the pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the watercress, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Pecorino-Romano and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the white beans.

WHITE BEAN AND WATERCRESS GRATIN

Steps:

• In a kettle combine the beans with enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches, bring the water to a boil, and simmer the beans, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Remove the kettle from the heat and let the beans soak, covered, for 1 hour. Drain the beans in a colander, return them to the kettle, and stir in the onion and the 2 1/2 quarts water. Simmer the beans for 35 to 45 minutes, or until they are tender, drain them in the colander set over a large bowl, and transfer them to a 3-quart gratin dish or other shallow baking dish. Return the cooking liquid to the kettle and boil it for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups. In a blender purée 1 cup of the beans with the reduced cooking liquid, the oil, the vinegar, and the salt and stir the purée with 1 1/2 cups of the watercress into the whole beans. The gratin may be prepared up to this point 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.
• In a bowl toss together the bread crumbs, the Gruyè, and the garlic, sprinkle the topping over the gratin, and bake the gratin in the middle of a preheated 425°F. oven for 20 minutes, or until it is bubbly and golden. Divide the gratin among 6 to 8 plates and garnish each serving with some of the additional watercress.

WHITE BEAN AND ARTICHOKE GRATIN

Steps:

• Bring a small amount of water to a simmer in a pot and set a steamer basket over it.
• Using a sharp paring knife, peel the stems on the artichokes and remove the tougher outer leaves; remove the inner leaves by hand, then cut away the center chokes. Place the artichokes in the steamer basket, cover and cook until tender when pierced, about 30 minutes, adding hot water if needed during cooking. Roughly chop the artichokes into 1/2-inch pieces and combine them with the cannellini beans and leeks in a large bowl.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the Parmigiano-Reggiano, heavy cream and creme fraiche. Pour into the artichoke mixture and toss well. The mixture should be creamy and smooth; if too thick, add more cream to thin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Pour the mixture into an 8-inch casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, thyme leaves and lemon zest; sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
• Bake the gratin until the mixture is bubbly and the crust is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel.

WHITE BEANS AND GREENS

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and chop when cool enough to handle.
• Add tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add Swiss chard and chicken stock, cover, and steam until chard is tender, about 10 minutes.
• Add beans and chopped bacon. Cook until liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.

WHITE BEAN SALAD WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast on the top rack until nicely browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Make the dressing: Put shallot in a small bowl with mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar and ground fennel, if using. Stir well to combine, then whisk in olive oil. Season to taste.
• Make the salad: Put beans in a low salad bowl. Add celery and cauliflower, pour the dressing over and toss well, taking care not to crush beans. Let salad rest for 30 minutes or so to meld flavors. Taste and adjust for salt, acid and oil. Add parsley and scallions, toss once more, then serve at room temperature.

WHITE BEAN AND TOMATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Combine 12 cups water, beans, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Drain. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
• Transfer beans to 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Add canned tomatoes with juices, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Toss gently to blend. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix breadcrumbs, lemon peel, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon chopped thyme in small bowl. Sprinkle over beans. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon oil over. Bake until juices are bubbling around edges and breadcrumbs are golden, about 55 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.