Bean Salad With Variations By Mark Bittman Recipes

BEAN SALAD WITH VARIATIONS BY MARK BITTMAN

Steps:

• ll 1. Rinse beans, then place in a pot with water to cover by a couple of inches; bring to a boil, partly cover and simmer until tender, from 30 minutes (lentils) to as long as 2 hours or more (chickpeas and larger beans). While beans cook, stir red wine vinegar and onion together in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in olive oil. 2. Cook beans until just tender, before their skins split. Drain. While still hot, add them to bowl with dressing. Toss gently until coated. 3. Let cool to room temperature (or refrigerate), stirring once or twice. Stir in parsley just before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Variations --Italian Style: Use cannellini or cranberry beans. Season vinegar with 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon minced rosemary in addition to onions. For a milder taste, use white wine vinegar. If you have basil and you will serve salad right away, use 1/4 cup in place of rosemary. --French Style: Use Le Puy lentils or flageolet beans. Use sherry vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. Replace red onion with thinly sliced shallots. Instead of parsley, stir in 2 tablespoons minced tarragon before serving. --Greek Style: Use dried fava or gigante beans. Use fresh lemon juice, not vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic, along with onions. Instead of parsley, finish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint. --Japanese Style: Use edamame or adzuki beans. Substitute rice wine vinegar for red wine vinegar and grapeseed or corn oil for olive oil. Instead of parsley, finish with 1 sheet nori, toasted and crumbled. --Indian Style: Use chickpeas. Use rice wine vinegar and 2 to 4 tablespoons minced or grated fresh ginger instead of red onion or shallot. Instead of olive oil, use 2 tablespoons peanut oil and 2 tablespoons coconut milk. Use cilantro instead of parsley.

ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH BLACK BEANS AND CHILE DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put sweet potatoes and onions on a large baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, toss to coat and spread out in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, turning occasionally, until potatoes begin to brown on corners and are just tender inside, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven; keep on pan until ready to mix with dressing.
• Put chilies in a blender or mini food processor along with garlic, lime juice, remaining olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Process until blended.
• Put warm vegetables in a large bowl with beans and bell pepper; toss with dressing and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a day.

BEAN AND VEGETABLE CHILI (MARK BITTMAN)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium; add the meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove meat from pan and drain off all but three tablespoons of fat.
• Heat the pan over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook for about a minute. Add the vegetables; cook for 10 minutes or until they start to caramelize and dry out.
• Add the seasonings and stir, then add the tomatoes and beans with enough of their liquid to submerge everything (use the stock if there isn't enough). Bring the mixture to a boil and cook about 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro. Serves six.