Herby Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 10 ounces cremini mushrooms (scrubbed, trimmed, and thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 yellow onion (peeled and diced)
• 2 ribs celery (trimmed and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white wine (or use water)
• 4 cups water
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans (drained; or use Great Northern or navy beans)
• 1/2 cup pearl couscous
• 1/2 cup Italian parsley (loosely packed and finely chopped)
• 1 cup basil (loosely packed and finely chopped; a few leaves reserved for garnish)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Sauté the mushrooms: ---

2. 2

   Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms and cook, turning occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they release their water. Continue cooking until the water evaporates. Once the mushrooms begin to stick to the bottom of the pot, add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crisp around the edges. Season with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   --- Cook the aromatics: ---

4. 4

   Add the diced onion and celery and sauté with the mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. 5

   --- Brown the flour: ---

6. 6

   Add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to the pot with 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir to coat the vegetables in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the flour browns and has a nutty aroma.

7. 7

   --- Deglaze the pot: ---

8. 8

   Add the white wine to the pot and whisk continuously with the flour until smooth and thick. Add the remaining 4 cups of water and both cans of beans. Bring to a boil.

9. 9

   --- Simmer the stew: ---

10. 10

    Reduce the heat to low and add salt and pepper to taste. Add the pearl couscous and simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.

11. 11

    --- Finish the stew: ---

12. 12

    Taste the stew and add salt and pepper if needed. Add the parsley, basil, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.

13. 13

    --- To serve: ---

14. 14

    Spoon the stew into bowls and finish with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!