Summer in
With Cranberry Beans and Swiss Chard
*Serves 16 models, or four normal people
1 lb. pound rainbow Swiss
chard, thoroughly washed
3 medium shallots, chopped
2 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary
3 small fresh sage leaves
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbs + ¼ cup high-quality
extra virgin olive oil + a splash more
Squeeze of fresh lemon
juice
Sea salt
Freshly-ground black pepper
Water
1 lb. dried or fresh whole
wheat pasta
Freshly grated parmesan or
romano cheese
Fill a large stockpot with
salted water and set on high to boil for pasta.
Cover the cranberry beans
by about an inch of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bruise the fresh herbs to release their scent and flavor by rolling them
between your hands and add them to the bean water.
Add two tbs of olive oil, a dash of salt and a little bit of black
pepper to the beans, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until tender.
While beans are simmering,
and pasta water is heating up, set a skillet over medium heat and add ¼ cup
olive oil. Add the garlic, shallots and
a pinch of salt and cook until the shallots are fragrant and translucent (a
couple of minutes). Add the Swiss chard,
a little bit at a time, turning to evenly distribute oil. Cook slowly, allowing the Swiss chard to wilt
and shrink.
When the chard is limp and
evenly coated in olive oil, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
When tender, season the
beans to taste, drain and add them to the skillet, discarding the herbs if you
want. Lower the burner to the lowest
setting and cover.
Boil pasta until al dente,
and drain. Toss with a splash of olive
oil and a pinch of salt.
Serve beans and Swiss chard over pasta, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.