Meat was a luxury menu item when my mother was growing up, so legumes and grains were commonplace fare in their household. You might say that my mom and her family ate vegetarian-style meals more often than not.
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Here’s a slightly modified version of a bean dish that my maternal grandmother used to make. This hearty dish will fill your tummy and satisfy your soul.
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| White Bean, Roasted Red Pepper, and Tomato Plaki |
White Bean, Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Plaki
olive oil (plus more for serving)
dash cayenne pepper, or Aleppo red pepper
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley; extra-virgin olive oil; lemon wedges
Directions:
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| Step 1 |
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onions; season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne or Aleppo red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add roasted red peppers, oregano, minced
garlic and red pepper paste, (or tomato paste if using) and cook, stirring often, until paste begins to turn deep red, about 3 minutes.
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| Step 2 |
2. Add beans to the saucepan. Turn heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes. Stir in 3 cups broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, until liquid is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and remaining 1 cup broth; simmer for another 5 minutes or until the consistency is somewhat thick, not soupy. Season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Special Note: Chopped raw onions may be sprinkled on top, too.
