Ingredients:
- 2 cups Camellia Pinto Beans
- 1 large onion,cubed
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 small potato, diced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbs sugar
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Salt
Directions:
- Soak the dried pinto beans for 2 hours in cold water in a pot.
- Bring the pot to the boil, do not cover the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes. Make sure the beans become do not become tender.
- Drain and rinse the cooked beans under cold water and set them aside.
- Heat the olive oil in the pot and stir in the onions, sauté for 2 – 3 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the carrots, and whole garlic cloves combine well and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and sugar, season with salt. Combine well.
- Add the beans to the pot and give it a good mix. Then pour in the water, combine well.
- Bring the pot to the boil; then turn the heat to low, cover the pan.
- Simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, until the beans are cooked (but not mushy). Check the seasoning and add a little more salt if needed.
- Serve at room temperature or cold, garnished with chopped parsley and wedges of lemon by the side. Alternatively garnish it with fresh arugula leaves and shredded parmesan.
Asli Mutlucan is a Meatless Monday ambassador from Bronxville, NY. This recipe for Pinto Beans in Olive Oil is inspired by the cultural exchange of the Mediterranean basin.