Chef's Table

Slow Cooked White Beans in Scotch Ale

Slow-Cooked White Beans in Scotch Ale: A rich white bean side dish, cooked in a malt slight smoky flavored Scotch Ale | Wee Heavy.

CourseFamily Style
CuisineAmerican, Beer Cuisine
Cooking Beer StyleScotch Ale, Scotch Ale | Wee Heavy
SeasonalSpring Seasonal, Summer Seasonal
Food SectionBacon, BBQ Side, Beans, Garlic, Onions
Cooking MethodBaking with Beer, Cooking with Beer
BreweryBeer Advocate, Founders Brewing Co.
KeywordCooking with Beer

Servings	Prep Time
10people	15minute

Cook Time	Passive Time
1 – 1/2hour	24hour

Servings	Prep Time
10people	15minute

Cook Time	Passive Time
1 – 1/2hour	24hour

Ingredients

1pound beans, dried, white,such as Alubia Blanca, White Tepary Bean or Marcella
1/4cup oil, olive
1/2cup bacon, smoked, thick cut,(optional), cut into lardons
1each onion, yellow, medium,peeled and diced
3each garlic, clovespeeled and minced
12ounce Scotch Ale,such as Founders Brewing Co. Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale or other Scotch Ale | Wee Heavy
1each bay leaf, preferably fresh
waterto cover
salt, kosherto taste

Instructions

Remove the dried beans from the packaging and rinse them well under running water to remove any small rocks, dirt, or broken beans. Add the rinsed beans to a large container and cover with cold water. Let the beans sit in the refrigerator for 12 – 24 hours (depending on the size of the bean) to re-hydrate. This soaking step is important to help the bean absorb the liquid before cooking, which allows the bean to cook evenly, helps break down oligosaccharides (which cause gas), and decreases the cooking time of the dish.
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add oil. Add the bacon, cooking it to render out the fat and lightly crisp the meat (about 10 minutes). Remove the cooked bacon, setting it aside. Add the onions and continue to cook over medium heat for another 10 minutes, until they’re soft, translucent and light golden in color. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pan with the Scotch Ale, adding the bay leaf and bacon back in, along with the drained soaked beans. Add enough water to cover the beans, leaving one inch on top. Do not season the beans with any salt at this point. Adding salt to the uncooked beans will block the small holes in the skin of the bean, where the water enters, which will cause them to remain hard and uncooked. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce heat to a medium-low.
Let the beans simmer lightly for 45 – 60 minutes until they’re soft, yet still keep their shape. Check the water level: if the beans start to dry out, add enough water to just cover the beans. Season with salt to taste. Toward the end of cooking, cease with the water additions, as the bean liquor will become the sauce of the dish. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes. Once the beans are tender, turn off the heat, check the seasoning and lightly drizzle with olive oil, just before serving.