Herbed Mixed Bean Salad with Peppers

Name: Herbed Mixed Bean Salad with Peppers
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried speckled beans (3/4 pound), such as borlotti, soaked overnight; 1/2 cup dried black beans (4 ounces), soaked separately overnight; 2 quarts chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth; Salt; 2 1/2 pounds fava beans, shelled (about 1 1/4 cups); 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch dice; 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 medium onion, minced; 1 medium onion, minced; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup coarsely chopped chervil; 1/4 cup coarsely chopped tarragon; 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Freshly ground black pepper

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This recipe celebrates the food of Toulouse, where Jean-Christophe Royer studied economics. During the summer, hearty local bean dishes, like cassoulet, give way to lighter recipes, like this salad.Plus: More Vegetable Recipes and Tips

By Jean-Christophe Royer

Updated on January 17, 2017

Herbed Mixed Bean Salad with Peppers — Photo: © Hotze Eisma

Yield:

10

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried speckled beans (3/4 pound), such as borlotti, soaked overnight
1/2 cup dried black beans (4 ounces), soaked separately overnight
2 quarts chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
Salt
2 1/2 pounds fava beans, shelled (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 medium onion, minced
1 medium onion, minced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup coarsely chopped chervil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped tarragon
4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Drain the beans that have been soaking overnight. In a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of chicken stock, 2 1/2 cups of water and the speckled beans to a simmer over moderate heat. In another saucepan, bring the remaining 3 cups of stock, 1 cup of water and the black beans to a simmer over moderate heat. Cook the beans until tender, adding water when needed to keep the level of the liquid 1/2 inch above the beans. The speckled beans will take about 2 1/2 hours and the black beans about 1 hour. Season with salt. Drain the beans and put them in a large bowl.
While the dried beans are cooking, blanch the shelled fava beans in boiling salted water for 1 minute. Lift them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon, chill them in ice water and drain. Pinch the favas out of their skins. Return them to the boiling water and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain the favas and add them to the beans in the bowl.
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the bell peppers and cook over moderate heat until beginning to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the peppers to the beans in the bowl.
Add the onion, cilantro, chervil and tarragon to the beans. Whisk the remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil with the vinegar and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Toss the bean salad with the dressing and refrigerate until chilled. Check the seasoning before serving.