Scarlet Runner Bean Stew

Recipe Date: January 23, 2025
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)

This rich stew is a people pleaser. Meat eaters and vegans alike will rejoice that there is finally a meal they can agree on. You can bump it up with additional root vegetables or leave it as is. If your meat eaters can’t go without, add a little bacon at the beginning, but don’t go overboard or you will mask the complexity of the beans and vegetables. Yield: 6 to 8 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried beans
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, trimmed and peeled
  • 1 small yellow onion, medium dice
  • 1 large stalk of celery, medium dice
  • 1 large carrot, medium dice
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 to 8 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1½ cups tomato puree

Directions

1. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water by 5 inches. Let them soak overnight. Drain the beans and place them in a large pot the following day. Fill it with cold water to cover the beans by two inches and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the beans sit for 15 minutes. Drain the beans and reserve.

2. In a 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and then the garlic. Sauté the garlic until lightly golden.

3. Add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook until the vegetables begin to turn golden. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Add the beans and water. Add enough water to cover the beans by 3 inches.

5. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes; add 2 teaspoons salt to the beans and the tomato puree and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes or more until the beans are tender. Note: Dried beans can take up to an hour or more depending on the size, type and age of the beans. If the beans absorb all of the liquid before they are tender, add more boiling liquid to the beans.

6. Remove from the heat when the beans are tender and the juices are thickened and stew-like. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes, then stir and taste again for seasoning. Adjust if necessary.

7. Serve with nice crusty bread or the side of your choice. Or you can top it off with Herbed Potato Dumplings for an even heartier meal.