| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 327 | 10g | 5g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 11g | 14g | 0.6g |
As someone who cut his culinary teeth among the sprawling Montana ranges, I’ve always had a deep-seated appreciation for rustic, hearty meals. Meals not just about nourishment, but about community, shared experiences, and memories. This is why I have a special place in my culinary heart for the amazing Hyacinth Bean and Tomato Casserole.
Food, I believe, is never just about sustenance. It’s about telling tales – of traditions, of seasons, and of regions. AGrowing up in Montana, the dishes often reflected the heritage of ranchers and Native Americans. From bison burgers and venison steaks to huckleberry pies, food has always spoken volumes about an area’s culture. This recipe, though not central to my homeland, reminds me of the complexity and richness synonymous with preparing a family meal back in the day.
Familiar Yet Uniquely Different
This Hyacinth Bean and Tomato Casserole is similar in some respects to an Italian Bean Cassoulet or a Southern-style bean bake. However, it possesses its own unique flavor profile, thanks to robust hyacinth beans that are both buttery and pleasantly sweet, contrasting beautifully with the tangy, vibrant tomatoes in the dish. Imagine relishing the creamy, earthy beans enhanced by the sweetness of ripe tomatoes – it’s a meal that beckons memories of hearty family dinners and countrysides painted with autumn hues.
Complement this with a crusty loaf of farmhouse bread from your local bakery or a fragrant garlic bread, and you have a meal that’s heartening, luscious, and downright delectable.
Packed with Nutrition
In addition to their unique taste, hyacinth beans also boast numerous health benefits. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They also offer a sort of culinary therapy, being equally nourishing and comforting. Paired with tomatoes, a powerhouse of antioxidants, and beneficial aromatics like garlic and onions, this dish is not merely satisfying for the palate but also highly nutritious.
If you’re looking for something hearty and warming for those chillier evenings, something rustic yet subtly refined, look no further than this delicious Hyacinth Bean and Tomato Casserole. You’ll find the recipe along with easy-to-follow directions here at Your Gourmet Guru. And if you’re a fan of interesting, delicious, and healthy meals, keep an eye out for more of my recipes on the site!
What You’ll Need
- 1.75 pound Hyacinth beans, fresh and shelled
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1.5 cup bread crumbs, fresh
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Step One:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for your oven to heat, prepare your fresh Hyacinth beans by shelling them and set aside.
Step Two:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Three:
Core the tomatoes and chop them into pieces, then add them into the skillet along with the sautéed onion and garlic. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are thoroughly cooked.
Step Four:
Add the fresh Hyacinth beans, salt, black pepper, and thyme to the skillet and stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Pour in the vegetable broth, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the beans are well cooked but still firm to the bite.
Step Five:
While the bean mixture is cooking, in a separate bowl, combine the fresh bread crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the bread crumbs absorb the butter.
Step Six:
Transfer the bean mixture from the skillet into a large casserole dish. Spread the bread crumb mixture evenly across the top of the bean mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the crumbs.
Step Seven:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is melting. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Hyacinth Bean and Tomato Casserole!
