White Beans With Chicory Food

GRATIN OF TURNIPS WITH CHICORY AND WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• Place the beans in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, place the turnips in a medium-size saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until half-cooked, about 6 minutes. Drain the turnips and beans.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a medium-size gratin dish lightly with olive oil spray. Sprinkling each layer lightly with salt to taste, place half of the beans in an even layer in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the chicory and then half of the turnips. Sprinkle with pepper to taste and half of the thyme. Repeat layers. Pour the chicken broth over the layers. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

WHITE BEANS WITH CHICORY

Steps:

• Combine the beans with 2 quarts water in a 4-quart pot and bring to a boil. Skim any foam, then add the onion, crushed garlic, bay leaf and salt to taste. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 2 hours, until the beans are very tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove and discard the onion, garlic cloves if desired, and bay leaf. Drain through a colander or strainer set over a bowl. Mash the beans with a potato masher and moisten with some of the cooking liquid. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. The purée should be loose.
• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the lettuce. Cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Squeeze out water and chop coarsely.
• Heat the remaining olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, cook for 30 seconds, and stir in the lettuce. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until the lettuce is nicely coated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the mashed beans.