Submitted by Rena Pasick, DrPH, Professor Emerita, Division of General Internal Medicine, UCSF Health
My Story
Early in shelter-in-place, I felt the urge to dive back into cooking after years (decades?) of reliance on take-out and eating out (SF's best, mind you). I don't recall if I had the Corona Beans in the back of my pantry or just happened on them at Bi-Rite (before I went all Instacart all the time). But we absolutely loved this preparation. And what could be more appropriate? (with Corona beer, of course)
Recipe
1 pound Rancho Gordo Royal Corona beans
1 onion, peeled and cut in half
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, peeled and minced
1 peeled garlic clove, minced
1 28 oz Italian-style tomatoes in juice or 3 cups of your favorite tomato sauce **
2 teaspoons Rancho Gordo Mexican Oregano**
2 teaspoons sugar
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Method
Soak beans overnight in abundant water. They will double in size so be sure there is enough water to cover them after doubling.
If soaking water is dirty, drain and discard it. Place soaked beans in a large pot and cover with water by 3 inches. Add 1 onion, cut in half. Bring beans to a boil. Turn heat down so that the beans simmer and let cook until tender but still holding their shape, about 2+ hours. Add salt to taste just before beans are finished cooking. Beans should be super creamy in texture.
Saute the onion in the olive oil until very soft. Add the tomatoes or tomato sauce, oregano and sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook just until sauce begins to thicken. It should still be plenty saucy.
Drain the beans and reserve a few cups of the liquid. Discard the onion halves. Toss the beans and tomato sauce together in a bowl. Place in baking dish adding some of the reserved bean liquid if necessary.
Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Serve hot, at room temperature or cold. Excellent with French Feta on the side and some good crusty bread.
** I prefer Rustichella d’Abruzzo’s Arrabbiata spicy tomato sauce (available at Bi-Rite); any good quality dried oregano will do.
Credits: ranchogordo.com
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