Styrian Gigantes Scarlet Runner Bean Casserole Food

STYRIAN "GIGANTES" (SCARLET RUNNER BEAN CASSEROLE)

Steps:

• If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook according to package instructions (usually for 90min.).
• Cut onion in about 0,5cm pieces, mince garlic, peel and seed tomatoes (put in boiling water for about 30sec.) and chop into bite size pieces.
• Heat olive oil and add onion and garlic. Let fry until translucent.
• Add beans and tomatoes. Stir.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to baking dish and let bake for about 20-25 minute at 175°C (until the beans go lightly crispy).
• Enjoy with white bread, such as baguette, ciabatta or pita. The oil onion mixture tastes heavenly when dipped into.

SCARLET RUNNER BEANS & BACON

Steps:

• Instructions: Pick through beans, rinse and place in a pot or bowl with about 1 1/2 inches of water to cover; soak 4 to 6 hours at room temperature. When ready to cook, cut the bacon crosswise into narrow pieces; place in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is browned and the fat is rendered out. Add a little oil to the pot if there is not enough bacon fat, then add the onions. Cook until they begin to turn translucent, scraping the bottom of pot to help incorporate any browned bits. Add the garlic and briefly cook until aromatic. Pour in the sherry, and bring to a boil; let cook down a bit, then add broth, bay leaves, thyme, red pepper flakes and beans. Add water to cover beans by at least 1 inch, cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook about 1 hour, stirring once or twice and checking the water level; if needed, add more to keep beans fully submerged. Add black pepper and salt lightly to taste. Add a large pinch of espress powder. Continue to cook until the beans are tender but not falling apart, another 1 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the size and freshness of the beans. Place 1/2 to 1 cup of beans in a blender with enough broth to puree. Puree, then return to the dish to thicken to desired consistency. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm with thinly sliced basil, if desired. If made ahead and reheated, you will probably need to thin with a little water or broth. Leftovers can be frozen up to a couple of months. Per serving: 291 calories, 19 g protein, 37 g carbohydrate, 8 g fat (3 g saturated), 12 mg cholesterol, 166 mg sodium, 14 g fiber. Wine pairing: Try an everyday Malbec like the 2009 Alamos from Argentina ($13); for company, the 2008 Treana Mer Soleil Vineyard Central Coast White, a Viognier-Marsanne blend ($23) or a Mourvedre-based Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé (about $35).