Grilled Bread With White Kidney Beans And Arugula Food

GRILLED GROUPER AND STEWED WHITE BEANS WITH ARUGULA AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• For the beans with arugula and tomatoes: Slice the bacon strips into 4 even pieces and cook in a large stock pot over medium-high heat until brown and starting to get crispy. Add the onion and stir, making sure to scrape the bottom of pot. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the beans, chicken stock, 8 cups of water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer. Stir the beans frequently and check the water level: If they start looking dry add a little more water. When the beans no longer float, after about an hour, reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking until the beans are soft, 25 to 30 minutes more.
• For the grilled fish: Heat a grill or heavy grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, coat the fish with the oil, season with salt and pepper and add to the grill using tongs to adjust the fish and prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, season the fish with salt and pepper and add the oil to the grill pan (if the oil begins to smoke, reduce the heat slightly). Cook the fish until white on all sides and edges and firm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Just before serving, add the tomatoes and arugula to the beans and stir in to heat the tomatoes and wilt the arugula, just a few minutes. Serve with the fish.

WHITE BEAN AND ARUGULA SALAD

Steps:

• The night before, place the beans in a large bowl and add water to cover by 2 inches. Soak overnight in the refrigerator. The following day, drain the beans, rinse under cold water, and drain again.
• Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the red onion and saute over medium-low heat for 7 to 9 minutes, until wilted. Add the beans and enough water to cover them by 3 inches. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 45 minutes, until tender. Drain the beans and onions and transfer to a mixing bowl.
• Meanwhile, heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and prosciutto and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until fragrant. Pour the hot oil mixture over the warm drained beans, tossing well. Allow to cool for 10 minutes only. While still warm, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Place in a large, shallow serving bowl, surround with arugula, taste for seasonings, and serve warm or at room temperature.

GRILLED BREAD (PANE ALLA GRILLIA)

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Slice ciabatta in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into 1-inch slices. In batches as needed, grill the ciabatta slices, cut side down until they are golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Working quickly, drizzle the toasted sides with extra-virgin olive oil. Rub the garlic cloves over the grilled bread, then rub the cut side of the tomatoes over the grilled bread. It's important to do this while the bread is still hot or warm, otherwise the garlic won't melt into the bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

GRILLED BREAD WITH WHITE KIDNEY BEANS AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• 1. Place roasted garlic and white beans in a food processor or blender. Sprinkle with cumin, paprika, olive oil and lemon juice. Process until smooth. If too thick, add a little water. 2. Stir in arugula. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Cut baguette in half lengthwise. Brush both halves with oil. Grill bread on barbecue or under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden. Immediately rub with garlic clove. Cool. 4. Cut each half into 8 pieces and top with spread. Garnish with extra arugula leaves.

GRILLED BREAD WITH WHITE KIDNEY BEANS AND ARUGULA

Steps:

• 1. Place roasted garlic & white beans in a food processor or blender. Sprinkle with cumin, paprika, olive oil and lemon juice. Process until smooth. If too thick, add a little water. 2. Stir in arugula. Season with salt & pepper. 3. Cut baguette in half lengthwise. Brush both halves with oil. Grill bread on barbecue or under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden. Immediately rub with garlic clove. Cool. 4. Cut each half into 8 pieces and top with spread. Garnish with extra arugula leaves. Tip: to roast garlic, cut off top third of head and discard. Sprinkle with olive oil. Wrap in foil and bake at 400F for 40 minutes or until cloves are soft. You can do as many heads as you need at a time.

ASPARAGUS, BEANS & ARUGULA SALAD WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Asparagus -- In a small sauce pan, fill with about 1" or a bit less of water and salt and bring to a low boil. Add the asparagus and cook, just 2-3 minutes depending on it's thickness. Then immediately remove and add to a ice bath. Just a bowl of water with ice. This will stop the cooking and keep the asparagus a bright green color (call blanching). Just let them cool off in the ice bath for a minute then remove and let drain and dry.
• Vinaigrette -- Just mix the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, garlic, lemon, sugar, salt, and pepper. I like to use a small tupperware and then I just shake it up. You can also mix it in a small measuring cup or bowl. Whatever is easier for you.
• Salad -- In a small bowl, I like to add the beans (drained and rinsed), asparagus, dill, and just a couple of teaspoons of the vinaigrette (not too much) and toss well.
• Greens -- On your serving platter, I add the arugula, micro greens, onion and a squeeze of one of the lemon wedges and another couple of spoons of the vinaigrette and toss lightly. Then top with the asparagus and bean mixture. Just lightly toss.
• Top the whole thing with the pecorino romano, a sprig of dill and the lemon slices around the side.
• Serve -- Grill some salmon or possibly chicken - slice and top the salad. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top. This makes an amazing dinner.