braised white beans with leeks

It was almost 90 degrees here today.  I am so ready for fall.  One way I can tell that is I want more heavy dishes.  My stomach settles best with vegetables and fishes but a bowl of beans sounds wonderful.  I came across a recipe of braised white beans with leeks that sounded wonderful.  I bought some leeks and brought them home.  Then to come find out I did not have all the ingredients!  I improvised and everyone really liked it.  Small Mister could not be fed fast enough.  The Tall Short Person liked the beans a lot.  I always feel that is an accomplishment when she likes something new.  My Beloved ate two bowls.  There is enough for another day as well.  I like this because it means I will not have to cook.  My Beloved will reheat.

braised white beans with leeks

Note:  This is better if you can start it the day before or the morning before you will eat it.

1 pound cannelli beans

2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

2 leeks, white only, well washed, sliced fine

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons thyme

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon New Mexico chili powder

2 teaspoons smoke sweet paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

4 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 plus cups grated cheese.  I used a mixture. 

Rinse and soak the beans overnight or at least eight hours.  Drain.

Preheat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit

In an ovenproof dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the leeks.  Let start to become brown.  Add the garlic.  Let brown slightly.  Add all the other ingredients except the cheese.  Cover and let bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the beans are soft.  

At this point, you can let the beans cool and reheat later.  Or just go on.

Raise the temperature of the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  Take the cover off the beans. Sprinkle with the cheese.  I used a mixture and one was goat.  It went very well with these flavors.  Let bake for another 5 minutes.

Serve.  This would be really good with bread but we ate it with corn chips.  Very good that way too.