Country-Style Risina Beans

By Elaine Sciolino

Updated November 2, 2023

  • Evan Sung for The New York Times
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
About 1 hour
Rating
4(15)
Comments
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The risina bean has taken considerable work to rescue, and it may take some effort to track down. But it’s well worth ordering the heirloom legume online. La Boutique del Gusto ships Cuore Verde risina beans to the United States and other locations, or you can purchase them online from other vendors. Once you order, most of your toil will be over because the beans lend themselves to a simple preparation. This recipe, from the Umbrian couple who produce the Cuore Verde risina, brings out the beans’ subtle, grassy flavor.

Featured in: The Risina Bean Is Worth the Hunt

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Ingredients

Yield:About 2 cups cooked beans

  • 1 cup risina beans

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 ounces (about ¼ cup) diced pancetta

  • 2 medium scallions or 1 small shallot, minced (see note)

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving

31 grams carbs; 9 milligrams cholesterol; 257 calories; 5 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 9 grams fat; 8 grams fiber; 176 milligrams sodium; 14 grams protein; 1 gram sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rinse the beans in warm water. Combine 6 cups water and the beans in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, add the olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the pancetta, reduce the heat to medium and cook until pancetta renders fat and begins to color, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the scallions or shallot and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

  3. Step 3

    Drain beans and transfer to the skillet with the pancetta. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Tip

  • To add flavor, the beans can also be cooked with small amounts of celery, carrots and cherry tomatoes.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
15 user ratings
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Comments

Genny

Fabulous beans! Bought at Al Buco Alimentari in NYC. Added 2 TBspn olive oil to 2 cloves minced garlic, small diced carrot, celery, and onion with 1 tsp dried thyme. Added 2 cups cooked beans, some more olive oil, a splash of chicken stock and 2 TBspn sundries tomatoe paste. Topped off with chopped parsley from the garden. Ate with sauteed pork chops.

Karen

The link for purchasing risina beans does not work. Does anyone have a recommendation for where I can purchase these beans?

bandol

Any recommendations on where to purchase risina beans in the US? The website referenced is no longer active (it's from 2014) and I couldn't find anything specific online.

Genny

Fabulous beans! Bought at Al Buco Alimentari in NYC. Added 2 TBspn olive oil to 2 cloves minced garlic, small diced carrot, celery, and onion with 1 tsp dried thyme. Added 2 cups cooked beans, some more olive oil, a splash of chicken stock and 2 TBspn sundries tomatoe paste. Topped off with chopped parsley from the garden. Ate with sauteed pork chops.

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