White Bean Salad with Spinach, Olives, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
(Insalata di Fagioli Bianchi con Spinaci, Olive e Pomodori Essiccati)
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cups firmly packed spinach, washed, drained, and stems removed
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup pitted black olives, such as Kalamata
Italian vinaigrette dressing
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
To quick-soak the beans: Place the beans in a large pot with water to cover by 3 inches and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes.
Remove from the heat, drain, and rinse.
To cook the beans: Place the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover by 3 to 4 inches.
Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beans are tender but still firm.
Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Set aside to cool.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook and stir until slightly brown, about 5 minutes.
Toss the beans, onion, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives in a large bowl with the vinaigrette until just combined.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use or up to 1 day.
If refrigerating, add the spinach just before serving. Makes 8 to 10 servings.