One Perfect Bite: tuscan-style

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Tuscan-Style White Bean Gratin

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...If you are tired of the New England or Southwestern versions of baked beans, you might want to give this riff on a Tuscan classic a try. The dish, which uses canned beans, comes together without fuss or bother and it is nice to serve with some of the plain grilled meats of summer. I particularly like these beans with plain grilled chicken or pork chops. While this quick version will never replace the classic white bean gratin, it is close enough to serve without embarrassment and it is a great side to serve with a sleepy summer meal. Try not to get carried away with the rosemary. It is pungent and particularly strong at this time of year and it will hijack the beans if you use too much of it. It is also important to remember that you are working with fully cooked beans that need only to be heated through. They will get mushy if you allow them to simmer for too long a time, so please adjust your times accordingly. This is a nice recipe to have in the hopper when you are looking for something a bit different to eat. It certainly delivers on flavor. Here is how the beans are made.

Tuscan-Style White Bean Gratin...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by America's Test Kitchen

Ingredients:
3 (14.5-oz.) cans of cannellini beans
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 (10.5-oz.) can condensed chicken broth, undiluted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1) Move an oven rack to 6-inches below broiler element. Preheat broiler.
2) Rinse and drain beans. Place 1 cup of beans in a bowl and and mash until smooth with a fork or the back of a large spoon.
3) Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet until it shimmers. Add onion and cook over medium-high heat until soft and lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and rosemary and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer.
4) Stir in broth and bring to a simmer. Add mashed beans and stir until smooth. Add whole beans and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Sprinkle top of beans with Parmesan cheese.
5) Place pan under broiler element and broil until cheese bubbles and browns. Let cool slightly before serving. Yield: 6 servings.

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