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Zucchini Ribbons with Cranberry Beans and Pecans
© Lucy Schaeffer

Zucchini Ribbons with Cranberry Beans and Pecans

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • •FAST
  • •HEALTHY
  • •VEGETARIAN

Monica Pope (an F&W Best New Chef 1996) loves the organic pecans from Rio Grande Organics in Quemado Valley, Texas (riograndeorganics.com). She uses the nuts to garnish a salad of quickly grilled zucchini ribbons and creamy-fleshed cranberry beans. Pecan oil enhances the pecans' sweet flavor but the dish is equally delicious without it.

  1. 1 cup shelled cranberry beans (from 1 pound unshelled)
  2. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  3. 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  4. 1 tablespoon pecan oil (see Note)
  5. 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, plus more for brushing
  6. 1 teaspoon minced shallot
  7. 1 teaspoon finely chopped tarragon
  8. 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  9. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  10. 1 1/4 pounds small zucchini, sliced lengthwise 1/8 inch thick on a mandoline
  11. 8 mint leaves, torn
  12. 2/3 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (2 ounces)
  13. 1/4 cup pecan halves
  1. In a medium saucepan of boiling water, cook the cranberry beans until tender, about 20 minutes; drain.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the mustard with the vinegar. Gradually whisk in the pecan oil and the 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Whisk in the shallot, tarragon and lemon zest and season with salt and pepper. Add the warm beans to the dressing and toss.
  3. Preheat a grill pan. Lightly brush the zucchini with oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, turning once, until the zucchini is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to the beans, add the mint and toss. Mound the zucchini on plates, top with the cheese and pecans and serve.