White Beans with Tarragon is a delightful dish that celebrates the simplicity and flavors of quality ingredients, elevating humble white beans to a gourmet experience. Crafted by renowned cookbook author Rozanne Gold, this recipe emphasizes the importance of using dried beans and fresh tarragon, ensuring the fullest expression of taste and texture. 🌱
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 14 hours (includes soaking time for beans)
Total Time: 14 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 5 1/2 cups cooked beans
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry northern white beans
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
- 2 – 4 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons tarragon leaves
Instructions:
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Soak the Beans: Begin by preparing the white beans. Place them in a bowl and cover them with at least 2 inches of water. Allow the beans to soak for a minimum of twelve hours, ensuring they are adequately submerged. If needed, add more water to keep the beans covered. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.
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Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a large soup pot, add the soaked white beans along with enough water to cover them. For added flavor, incorporate the whole black peppercorns by placing them in a cheesecloth bag or a tea strainer, ensuring they are loosely enclosed. Bring the pot to a vigorous boil and allow it to boil for approximately 2 minutes. During this process, skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
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Simmer the Beans: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered. Allow the beans to simmer slowly until they reach a tender yet firm consistency, typically taking around 2 to 2 1/4 hours. Throughout the cooking process, periodically check the water level and add more as needed to ensure the beans remain submerged.
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Season and Garnish: Once the beans are cooked to perfection, reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid before draining the beans. Return the drained beans to the pot or a serving bowl. Add the olive oil, reserved cooking liquid, coarse salt, white pepper, and freshly chopped tarragon leaves to the beans, mixing everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
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Serve: White Beans with Tarragon can be enjoyed either hot or at room temperature, offering versatility in serving options. For added richness and flavor, consider drizzling a bit more olive oil over the beans just before serving, enhancing their savory profile and luxurious mouthfeel.
This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to sophisticated snacks, potluck gatherings, or as a refreshing option for summer meals. With its low cholesterol, high protein content, and emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients, it’s a dish that satisfies both the palate and the body, embodying the essence of wholesome, flavorful cooking. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees exceptional results every time.
