Magic Beans

Presenting my favorite beans...

uncooked

However, I honestly cannot tell you their name, because I don't know it.  I just call them "leather strap beans"*.  In the Greater Toronto Area, they are grown in the backyard gardens of many Southern Italians and Greeks.  All I have to say is God bless them!

The beans have a velvety texture and are rather wide, at approximately 3/4".  As you can see, they and are a pleasant green colour.

Generally, beans are quite amazing for one's health, having incredible nutritional value, fiber, blah, blah, whatever...These ones are eff-ing amazing!

I simply cut off the stem end, wash and then steam them for approximately 5-10 minutes or until they turn bright green. While they are hot, I sprinkle with a little bit of sea salt and a splash of high-grade olive oil.

cooked

You can enjoy them hot or cold.  Either way, they will practically melt in your mouth...You're welcome!

*By the way, if anyone can let me know the actual name of these wonderful beans, it would be greatly appreciated!

Dedicated to Good Food

My name is Asif and I am a bit obsessed when it comes to food. I absolutely love it.  My life revolves around eating and the pleasure that comes from it. You have to eat, so you might as well enjoy it!


However, I am a bit of a prude.  I won't just eat anything.  I believe in good, wholesome and quality ingredients. Tradition and simplicity have great value, but experimentation is not out of the question; rather, it is a rule. Also, another rule is that things are almost always better from scratch.


I do not believe in the waste, nor do I ever follow a recipe exactly.


In reading my submissions, I hope that we can learn from each other, as I would love to hear your comments and tips! The learning never ends.


The title of this blog is Quanto Basta, which is a measurement used in Italian cooking meaning "as much as is needed".  Some of the world's best cooking arises out of just that.


Enjoy!