White Beans Au Pistou Recipes

WHITE BEANS AU PISTOU

Steps:

• Rinse the beans and soak in boiling water for one hour. Drain.
• Grind the first two ingredients in a mortar and pestle (or food processor) with a dash of salt. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil.
• This is the "pistou" and can be poured in ice cube trays, frozen (pop out and put in a ziploc freezer bag to store in freezer) or use it the same day as you make it (It will fade in color if not frozen).
• In a pot that holds 3 quarts, at least, saute the garlic in the olive oil for a minute or two.
• Add the beans, salt and the stock.
• Cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
• Uncover and check seasoning (I like to add fresh ground black pepper) and simmer for 15-25 minutes more (or until beans are just tender). Watch the liquid, adding more so that the beans are not ever dry.
• When beans are tender, but hold their shape, stir in the pistou.

PISTOU SOUP

Steps:

• Bring the vegetable broth and water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in the green beans, zucchini, carrots, and potatoes. Return to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the pistou by processing the basil leaves, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and salt together in a food processor until finely chopped; set aside.
• Stir the kidney beans, white beans, canned diced tomatoes, and spaghetti into the soup and return to a simmer. Cook until the spaghetti is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the pistou. Sprinkle with Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese to serve.

SOUPE AU PISTOU

Steps:

• Place beans in a small saucepan and cover with a generous amount of water. Bring to a boil and cook, covered, until beans are tender, about 1 hour. Drain and reserve. (To test a bean for doneness, choose a small one. Smaller beans take longer to cook because of their dense centers. The bean should taste creamy, rather than powdery, inside.)
• Make Pesto by pureeing garlic, olive oil, and a few basil leaves in a blender. Gradually add remaining leaves until all are pureed. Transfer to a small bowl, add grated cheese, and stir. Set aside.Cut each vegetable into even 1/2-inch dice and set aside. To avoid discoloration, reserve potatoes in a bowl of cold water.
• Bring chicken stock to a boil in a large stockpot. Add white beans, potatoes, carrot, and onion. Return to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes. Add remaining vegetables and bring back to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook an additional 10 minutes, uncovered. Season to taste. Serve soup with a dollop of pesto in each bowl.