Monday, March 7, 2011

Moosewood Mondays: Beans for Breakfast?

Do the words Bean Porridge sound appetizing to you?  No, not so much?  How about Bean Risotto?  Still no?  Try as I might to come up with a better, more appetizing name, I just couldn't.  I can tell you that this dish, which Mollie Katzen refers to as Bean Porridge, is a thick, creamy, garlicky, wonderful bowl of cooked and mashed beans which I topped with a fried egg for breakfast.  It is also wildly delicious.  As in double the recipe wildly delicious.  

Better yet, it's good for you and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry/refrigerator. Winner, winner, winner.
Bean Porridge
Serves 2 (take my advice and double the recipe)
Prep Time: 45 minutes (5 minutes of work)

1-1/2 to 2 cups cooked white beans (or a 15oz. can)
1/2 cup water (possibly more)
1 medium clove garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon dried sage or thyme (I used a sprinkle of Italian seasoning)
Coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Chopped flat-leaf parsley
*1 fried egg for each serving (or any other topping of your choice)

Without rinsing or draining them first, transfer the beans directly from the can or cooking liquid to a small to medium saucepan.  Add 1/2 cup water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and partially cover.  Cook for 30 minutes.

Add the garlic and the sage or thyme, partially cover again, and let it simmer another 10 minutes.  (Check the water level during this time.  It should be fine- slightly soupy-but if for some reason the beans are running dry, add more water, a tablespoon or two at a time.)

Remove the pot from the heat, and use a potato masher to mash the beans until they turn thick and creamy but still retain some texture.  You can be the judge of how far to take this.

Season to taste with coarse salt and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper.  Serve hot or very warm, in bowl, topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a small splash of balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkling of minced parsley.  Additionally, top with a fried egg or any other topping.
HOW WOULD YOU TOP YOUR BEAN PORRIDGE?

Notes/Results:  I love beans, so this was a total winner for me.  In fact, I can see it as my new breakfast obsession with all sorts of different toppings.  This bean porridge is ultimately satisfying and oh so creamy and delicious.   I really wish I would have made a double batch and would advise you to do the same should you decide to make this.
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15 comments:

  1. I am a bean convert - especially white beans so this would play here. And you're right - I do have all the ingredients and right again - I'm going to try it - like the fried egg. I guess I could also spread it on bread.

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  2. Believe it or not, beans are a very popular breakfast item in the UK. Its something I never got used to. That being said, this looks much better than the stuff they eat here, I'm very curious.
    *kisses* HH

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  3. i try to go to the gym every morning, and i honestly can't think of a better way to start the day. protein and fiber loaded, this looks AMAZING! i love the egg on top too. this might become my new favorite breakfast too!

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  4. Hi. I made your "12 Cloves of Garlic Pasta" last week and we really liked it. I posted a link from my blog-to yours. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. I love your idea with the egg, add a little white sharp cheddar - heaven...ooh ohh and some cilantro.

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  6. What I love about this meal is that I can eat it for every meal of the day! WIN WIN WIN!

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  7. I would love this as I just love beans and I've actually had baked beans many times for breakfast with a fried egg. Delicious!

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  8. This sounds really delicious, though I wouldn't normally think beans for breakfast.

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  9. I've eaten a lot of beans for breakfast (I love them with an egg on top) and find they keep me satisfied for a long time. Must be all that great dietary fiber. Try black beans feijoada-style with egg as well. Super-good breakfast food!

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  10. My daughter has recently decided she LOVES beans. I'll bet she would love this :)

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  11. Kim, my husband is not one for sweet breakfasts. These beans though along with an egg on top would make him a very happy guy. I will have to make this for him this coming weekend :o)

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  12. I am a big fan of ful, so I can totally get behind beans for breakfast - and a runny egg on top? Genius!

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  13. I only think about beans with breakfast at Mexican restaurants and they are delicious. I need to give this a try.
    Mimi

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  14. This sounds right up my alley! I don't like 'traditional' breakfast foods at breakfast so this would be awesome! Thanks Kim! Glad I found your blog on Tomato Tots :)

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  15. Bean for breakfast, heck beans any time are one of my favorite dishes. When I made pinto beans a few months ago I ate most of them heated up for breakfast. ;-) Definitely marking this idea to try.

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