Italian bean casserole recipe

By Simon Rimmer

This substantial casserole of two beans - borlotti and cannellini - will bring a hearty glow to all - and it's suitable for veggies too.

Serves 8

Ready in just over 1 hour

Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
4 celery sticks, roughly diced
4 medium carrots, roughly diced
3 leeks, trimmed, washed and sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
100ml white wine
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
About 700ml vegetable stock, hot
410g can borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
410g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Small handful fresh oregano or fresh thyme, leaves picked and chopped, plus extra whole leaves to garnish

METHOD

How to make italian bean casserole

1. Heat the oil in a large casserole or saucepan over a medium heat. Add the celery and carrots and cook, stirring, for 7-8 minutes. Add the leeks, cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the garlic and wine. Let the wine cook out and reduce for a few minutes.

2. Tip in the tomatoes and lemon zest and season well. Add the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer fairly rapidly for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the vegetables are just tender and the liquid has reduced and thickened.

3. Stir in the beans (add a dash of hot water, if necessary) and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the oregano or thyme and the lemon juice. It's worth re-checking the seasoning now. Spoon the casserole into bowls and garnish with fresh oregano or thyme leaves.