Journal ·
Beans that hold the table
Overnight beans, a pot of olive oil, and the kind of supper that does not need a second dish to feel complete.
A pot of beans can hold a table the way a roast does, if you give them the night and enough oil.
Soak white beans in cold water before you sleep. In the morning, drain them, cover with fresh water, and add onion, a bay leaf, and a stem of rosemary. No salt until they are tender. Salt too early and they keep their coats on.
The pot
Simmer until a bean crushed on the side of the pot turns to cream. If the water drops, add more hot water, not cold. Cold water startles them.
The finish
Salt. A thick pour of olive oil. A little of the cooking liquor if you want it soupier. Serve with bread that can take a swipe, and a bowl of the citrus salad if anyone asks for green.
The next day
They are better. They always are. Warm them slowly and add a splash of the liquor you saved. This is the supper the demo kitchen would cook if you came over, which you will not, because the kitchen is invented. The method is still good.