Big Beans and Tomato Vinaigrette

Ingredients for Big Beans and Tomato Vinaigrette

• Handful of oregano sprigs

• Handful of thyme sprigs

• 2 bay leaves

• 230g dried butter beans, rinsed, soaked overnight if possible

• 1 medium onion, halved

• 1 large carrot, scrubbed, coarsely chopped

• Kosher salt

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 275g cherry tomatoes or 230g chopped heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes

• 1 garlic clove, smashed

• 45ml red wine vinegar

• 80ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• Kosher salt

• 900g assorted heirloom, beefsteak and/or cherry tomatoes

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Handful of basil leaves

• Mild red pepper flakes (such as Aleppo-style or Maras)

Tie together oregano, thyme, and bay leaves with kitchen twine. Combine beans, onion, carrot, and herbs in a medium pot. Pour in water to cover beans by about 4" and bring to a very gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat and cook at the barest of simmers, stirring hardly at all, until beans are creamy and tender at the centre but not falling apart or mushy, about 1 1/2 hours (this could take longer, depending on the beans). The key is to not agitate, which will help the beans maintain their shape. Remove pot from heat; season beans aggressively with salt. Gently stir in oil. Let cool. Drain beans; discard onion, carrot, and herbs.

Do Ahead: Beans can be made 2 days ahead. Keep in liquid; cover and chill.

Purée cherry tomatoes in a blender. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in garlic, vinegar, and 80ml oil; season with salt. Let sit 15–20 minutes, then pluck out garlic.

Transfer drained beans to a medium bowl and add vinaigrette; toss gently to coat. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Slice, halve, or quarter heirloom tomatoes and arrange on a platter or divide among individual plates. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil. Spoon beans along with plenty of vinaigrette over; top with basil and a few pinches of red pepper flakes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.