White Beans With Baby Squid Recipes

WHITE BEANS WITH SQUID AND BROKEN NOODLES

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, and salt it. Meanwhile, put half the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. A minute later, add the beans and their liquid. Bring to a boil, stirring, and add squid, along with some salt and pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally.
• When water boils, cook the noodles until they are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, and add them to the simmering beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squid and noodles are tender, adding a little liquid if necessary. (Do not add liquid prematurely -- the squid will produce a lot on its own.)
• When just about done, add garlic. Cook it just long enough to take the edge off its rawness. Spoon the mixture into 4 dishes, garnishing with parsley and sprinkling with remaining olive oil.

WHITE BEANS WITH SQUID, ARUGULA, AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Steam squid bodies and tentacles until tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to plate and cool to lukewarm.
• Cut squid bodies into 1/2-inch-wide rings. Cut squid tentacles in half if large. Transfer squid to large bowl. Add baby arugula, cherry tomatoes, beans, olive oil, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Toss gently to blend, adding more lemon juice, if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
• What to drink:
• Citrusy A Mano 2007 Soave ($9)

GRILLED CALAMARI WITH WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• Place beans in large saucepan. Pour enough water over beans to cover by 3 inches. Bring to boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Add onion, thyme, and bay leaf to beans; simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Drain. Discard onion, thyme, and bay leaf; return beans to saucepan.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir shallots into beans. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm over medium-low heat, stirring and adding more water to moisten if necessary, before serving.)
• Place calamari tentacles in medium bowl. Cut calamari bodies lengthwise in half. Using sharp knife, score bodies at 1/2-inch intervals in lattice pattern (do not cut through). Add to bowl. Add 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, and garlic; toss to coat. Let stand 1 hour.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Drain calamari; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill just until slightly curled at edges, about 30 seconds per side.
• Stir parsley into warm beans. Divide beans among 6 plates. Top with calamari. Drizzle remaining 3 tablespoons oil over. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper.