Zucchini Ribbons with Cranberry Beans and Pecans

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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. More Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini Ribbons with Cranberry Beans and Pecans
Photo: © Lucy Schaeffer
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shelled cranberry beans (from 1 pound unshelled)

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon pecan oil (see Note)

  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, plus more for brushing

  • 1 teaspoon minced shallot

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped tarragon

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 1 1/4 pounds small zucchini, sliced lengthwise 1/8 inch thick on a mandoline

  • 8 mint leaves, torn

  • 2/3 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (2 ounces)

  • 1/4 cup pecan halves

Directions

  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.

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