Barrel Beans Recipes

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet (preferably straight-sided) over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and 1 teaspoon salt, and stir, then cook undisturbed in an even layer until one side is golden, about 4 minutes. (It's great if the butter browns, but decrease the heat if it threatens to get too dark.) Stir in the asparagus, carrot and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the peas, scallions and ½ teaspoon salt, then add the red-pepper flakes, oregano and a generous amount of black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the peas are warmed through and bright green, about 2 minutes.
• Add the white beans and the cream, lower the heat to medium, and let the cream come to a simmer. Simmer for about 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, Parmesan and Dijon. Taste and season with more salt, pepper or lemon juice as needed. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of warm water to the creamy beans to loosen as you like; the sauce will thicken as it cools. (You may need more water when you reheat any leftovers.) Serve in bowls topped with the nuts and a handful of basil leaves. Pass more Parmesan at the table.

Steps:

• In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until lightly brown but not crisp.
• When bacon has browned, add green beans.
• Add salt, sugar and pepper and mix well.
• Place onion on top of green beans.
• Cover saucepan with a lid and bring to a light boil.
• Turn heat down to low and simmer beans for 45 minutes.

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is barely tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add cumin and cook for 30 seconds more.
• Add broth, barley and oregano, increase heat and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the barley is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
• Gently stir in beans and tomatoes and heat through.
• season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with cilantro or basil (if using) just before serving.