Italian White Beans

This warm, homey dish is easy as can be, but packed with great flavors.  Try rounding out the meal with polenta topped with vegan Parmesan sprinkles.  Traditional Italian bean dishes like this are usually made with bacon fat; recreate the flavor and feeling by adding strips of Lightlife bacon or tempeh bacon on the side.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 (16-ounce) rinsed and drained can Great Northern beans
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and saute for 3 minutes.  Add the crushed red pepper, garlic, and bay leaf; saute for 3 minutes.

2. Stir in the water and beans.  Cook for a final 3 minutes.  Stir in the white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper, and discard the bay leaf.

Nutrition Info:
4 servings (1/2 cup), Calories 178

Tasting Notes:
As I was stirring in the vinegar, I wondered if it would be too acidic, but it ended up being my favorite element of this dish - a great tangy contrast to the mellowness of the beans and onions.  Super comfort food, but I would add more herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Rating:
3.5