Warm Bean Salad With Walnut-Arugula Pesto
- 1 12 cups dried white beans
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 14 cup walnuts
- 12 cup arugula
- 14 cup walnut oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 shallot
- Soak the beans in 3 cups cold water for 12 hours or overnight.
- Drain and transfer into a large saucepan with the bay leaves.
- Pour in cold water so the beans are covered by 2 inches and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and cook for 45 minutes to an hour (or according to package instructions), until the beans are tender but not mushy.
- Check the water level from time to time, and add more if it runs a little low.
- Thirty minutes into the cooking, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt.
- (The beans can be prepared up to a day ahead).
- While the beans are cooking, combine the walnuts, arugula (reserve a few leaves for garnish if desired), oil, lemon juice, shallot, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor or in a mortar.
- Process or grind with a pestle until the mixture forms a paste-like dressing.
- (The dressing can be prepared up to a day ahead.
- It can also be used in potato or chicken salad, or as a sandwich spread).
- Drain the beans and let cool for a minute.
- Pour the dressing into a salad bowl, add the beans, and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with the reserved arugula and serve while still warm.
- The leftovers are just as good the next day, cold or gently reheated.
white beans, bay leaves, salt, walnuts, arugula, walnut oil, lemon juice, shallot
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/warm-bean-salad-with-walnut-arugula-pesto-430970 (may not work)