Herby Marinated White Beans

The Beans:

• 1 lb dried white beans. Ayocote Blanco beans from Primary Beans are my go-to, or other Primary Beans creamy white bean, such as Cannellini
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (halve the amount if using Morton kosher salt)
• 1/2 large yellow onion, root intact
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Sprigs of fresh herbs, such as marjoram or oregano

The Vinaigrette:

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp vinegar, preferably red wine or champagne
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh marjoram, chopped (fresh oregano works as well)

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• The Beans: Any creamy white bean works. If using canned instead of dried - check out the Primary Beans guide on those conversions.
• The Shallot: Sub in finely diced red onion or grated garlic.
• The Marjoram: Sub in fresh oregano.

Cook the white beans

1. Add beans to dutch oven or heavy bottomed stock pot. Cover with several inches of water to submerge beans, and add the kosher salt, onion, garlic, bay leaves, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Gently stir to combine.
2. Over medium high heat, bring water a simmer. Immediately bring to low-med heat to keep on low simmer, uncovered, and cook until beans are tender, gently stirring occasionally. Cooking time will vary depending on variety of bean, freshness, etc. For unsoaked Ayocote Blanco beans, the stovetop method took about 2 hours, but can be more or less. See the Primary Beans cooking guide for an Instant Pot shortcut if desired.
3. Once beans are cooked and tender, discard aromatics, drain beans, and let cool.
   
   

Cool the beans + make the vinaigrette

1. While beans cool, prepare the vinaigrette in same bowl you’ll use for serving.
2. To large bowl, add shallot, lemon zest and juice, vinegar, and few generous pinches kosher salt. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes. 
3. Fold in the herbs, and slowly whisk in the olive oil to combine. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
4. Gently fold beans into vinaigrette, and season to taste with additional kosher salt if needed to bring out flavors. Serve immediately, or pop in fridge and enjoy at a later time, as the beans take on the flavor of the vinaigrette as they sit. Enjoy on their own or folded into an arugula salad alongside roasted salmon or chicken, or on crusty toasted bread.

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