Monastic-style Baked Beans

Ingredients

• • 500 g white beans
• • 2 large onions
• • 3 garlic cloves
• • 2 carrots
• • 1 bunch parsley
• • 2-3 bay leaves
• • 1 tsp sweet paprika
• • Salt and pepper, to taste
• • 1 tbsp flour (optional)
• • Water, as needed

Method

1. Soak the beans in cold water for a few hours or overnight.
2. Drain, cover with fresh water, boil 10 minutes, then drain.
3. Cover with water again, add the bay leaves and cook about 1 hour, until tender.
4. In a pot, sweat the chopped onion and garlic in a little water; add the grated carrot and cook until tender. Stir in the paprika and, optionally, the flour.
5. Add the drained beans and a little of the cooking water. Mix, season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour into an oven dish, level it and bake 40 minutes at 200 °C, until a light crust forms.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Source: adapted from the Orthodox Parish of the Annunciation (Angers).