Fresh Shell Bean Stew

Fresh Shell Bean Stew
Photo: © Lucy Schaeffer
Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 15 mins
Yield:
10

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced

  • 1 small carrot, finely diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 Anaheim chile pepper or other mild green chile pepper, seeded and minced

  • 3 pounds fresh cranberry beans, shelled (about 3 cups)

  • 2 bay leaves, 3 thyme sprigs, 1 rosemary sprig, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries and 4 cloves, tied in cheesecloth

  • 4 cups water

  • Salt

  • 1 pound small romano beans or larger beans, cut into 2-inch lengths

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, garlic and chile and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned, about 8 minutes. Add the fresh cranberry beans, the spice-herb bundle and the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes. Discard the spice bundle and season the stew with salt.

  2. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add salt and the romano beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the beans and keep warm. Just before serving, stir the romano beans into the fresh cranberry bean stew. Season with salt and serve hot.

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