You cannot be a Mediterranean and not have white beans as part of your culinary experience. White beans being incorporated in stews, salads, and soups bring an extra layer of blanket in comfort food family. This version is vegetarian but red meat such as beef or lamb can easily be added making it a one pot dinner. It can stay a while in the fridge, I really enjoy this with a glass of red wine in winter days. 

How to Prepare

• 2 cups of cooked white beans
• 1 large tomato chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic chopped
• 1 cup onion chopped
• ½ cup good olive oil
• 3 tbs tomato paste
• 1 tbs cumin
• 1 jalapeno pepper chopped
• pinch of salt to taste
• ½ cup chopped fresh herbs (your preference)

Steps

1. Add olive oil to a heavy pan to medium heat
2. Test the oil by dropping small piece of chopped onion to see if it starts sizzling. If so, add all of the onion and jalapeno and salt.
3. Once the onions start sweating and turning to pale golden add the garlic and tomato paste and cumin stirring thoroughly for the ingredients to come together.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, white beans and one cup of water
5. Mix well and lower the heat.
6. Stir every 5 minutes for about 12-15 minutes
7. Mix the herbs and take it off the heat.