Gratin of Pea Beans and Ham

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. dried pea beans
• 1 large onion studded with 4 cloves
• 6 Tb(3/4stick) butter
• 2 medium onions,finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove,minced
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes,peeled,seeded,and chopped
• 1 cup chopped cooked ham
• 1 Tb.finely chopped fresh thyme(or 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 Tb. finely chopped fresh marjoram (or 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions

In a large bowl,soak beans in water to cover,over night. Drain the beans,transfer to a large,heavy sauce pan or casserole, and add the studded onion and enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to the boil,reduce heat,cover, and simmer the beans about 1 1/2 hours or till tender. Drain the beans and discard the onion. Preheat the oven to 375*F. In a large skillet, heat one half the butter, add the 2 chopped onions and garlic, and saute over moderate heat 5 minutes, stirring. Add the tomatoes,ham,thyme,marjoram,and salt and pepper to taste, and simmer the mixture 10 minutes. Add the stock and cream, return to the simmer,add the beans,and simmer 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large gratin dish, sprinkle the bread crumbs on top,dot with the remaining butter,and bake 30 minutes.

Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: My files
Submitted By: Eileen Werth
crzylegs@erols.com
Gratin of Pea Beans and Ham