Tuscany Beans

Tuscany beans is a dish that is tasty and easy. It pretty much cooks itself and to complete it, all you need to add is a delicious green salad. It's a very healthy dish and not for the garlic feint-hearted.



Ingredients

• 500g / 1lb haricot beans, soaked in water overnight (cold water)
• salt
• 3 plump garlic cloves, chopped finely
• 5 sage leaves, fresh and finely chopped; can substitute 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (canned ones are fine)
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. Drain the haricot beans after soaking. Put into a saucepan and add a teaspoon of salt and enough cold water to cover. Bring to the boil and let simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Strain the beans. They will still be very firm. Keep the liquid in a large bowl.
3. Preheat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF.
4. Toss the beans, garlic, sage and tomatoes together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Put the mixture into a casserole dish. Pack down soundly and pour over the olive oil.
6. Cover with a piece of greaseproof paper and then add the lid.
7. Bake in the oven just below the centre until the beans are soft. This will take about 5 - 6 hours.

* Serves 6

Materials

• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Large bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Casserole dish with lid
• Greaseproof paper

Photo courtesy of Eric Perrone's Flickr photostream.