Tuscan Beans with Parmesan, Herbs & Grape Tomatoes

1 lb dried cannellini or Great Northern beans, picked over and rinsed
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 thyme sprigs
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Soak beans in water to cover by 2 inches overnight (8 hours) or quick-soak (see cooks’ note, below), then drain.
Cover beans with water by 2 inches in a 5- to 6-qt pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally and skimming foam, until beans are very tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Reserve 2 cups cooking water, then drain beans.  Cut half of tomatoes lengthwise and set aside. Pulse remaining tomatoes in a food processor until almost smooth.
Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in middle.
Cook onion and garlic in oil and 1 Tbsp butter with 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomato purée, thyme, sugar, 3/4 tsp salt, and reserved 2 cups bean-cooking water and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Whisk in remaining Tbsp butter, then stir in beans.

Transfer to a 3-qt shallow baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cheese, then scatter tomato halves over top. Bake, covered tightly with foil, until liquid is reduced and beans are saucy but not soupy, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand, covered, 10 minutes before serving (beans will continue to absorb liquid).

Posted in Main Dishes, Vegetable & Side Dishes

Tagged

About RecipesFHD

Our mission is to build a strong local food community by connecting our members to the farmers, ranchers and artisans who produce their food. Farmhouse Delivery partners with local farmers and ranchers to deliver the highest-quality, sustainably produced food to directly to your door. We believe that the road to a thriving, healthy local food system is paved with inspiring recipes, the freshest, tastiest food, a return to the family table and a commitment to our local community. We are passionate supporters of the local food movement, and want to make it convenient, affordable, and exciting for people to eat healthy, fresh, seasonal, local food.

Leave a Reply