Braised Cannellini Beans W/garlic, Marjoram And Oregano

Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 cups dried cannellini beans
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumb, toasted

Recipe

• 1 rinse the beans well in a colander, picking out any broken beans and pebbles.
• 2 transfer to a bowl, cover with plenty of cool water, and let soak for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
• 3 drain the beans and transfer to a 3 qt pot and add water to cover by 1 to 2 inches.
• 4 place over high heat and bring to a boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
• 5 adjust the heat to a slow simmer and cook uncovered, skimming as needed for 2 hours or until beans are tender (it might be necessary to add more water).
• 6 remove from the heat, stir in the salt and let the beans stand in their cooking liquid for 30 minutes.
• 7 drain the beans, reserving 3/4 cup of cooking liquid.
• 8 in a pot, heat the olive oil over med heat.
• 9 add garlic, bay leaf and oregano and cook for 3 minutes or until the garlic begins to soften.
• 10 stir in the beans and 3/4 cup cooking liquid and simmer, stirring gently, for about 4 minutes, or until the beans achieve a creamy consistency.
• 11 the beans should not be as thick as mashed potatoes, but they should just hold their shape if spooned a piece of bread.
• 12 if the beans are too thick, stir in a little water and continue to cook.
• 13 stir in marjoram, taste for seasoning, and add salt if needed.
• 14 remove from the heat.
• 15 at this point beans can be cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week, reheat gently before serving.
• 16 to serve, pour beans into a warmed serving bowl, or ladle them into warmed individual bowls. top with bread crumbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
• 17 serve immediately.
• 18 **the recipe recommends 2 tsp salt -- one of our new year's resolutions is for me to cut back on sodium -- so i have purposely omitted this ingredient**.