During the 1980s, a lot of my friends would spend their vacations in New York. They loved the big city life, especially after San Francisco, which although romantic and sophisticated is also pretty small, which means you run into the same people wherever you go. I thought it sounded like...

For so many, a salad is mixed greens and boring raw vegetables. More and more, I love salads without any lettuce. I want crunch and texture—bean salads with celery, onions, radishes, or carrots are wonderful. There's the satisfying crunch of the vegetables and the indulgent-feeling creaminess of the beans. It's...

This recipe comes from our neighbors here in Napa, Stevie and Josiah of Bay Grape Wine, a specialty wine shop that makes wine fun without being inane or insulting your intelligence. They are proud Bean Club members and we appreciate them sharing this recipe with us. 1 pound uncooked Marcella beans (can also...

This recipe from Southern Italy is prepared with a combination of dried porcini and fresh oyster or cremini mushrooms. Its earthy aroma and wonderful rich taste captures the essence of wild mushrooms just collected from the forest.  Recipe from Fagioli: The Bean Cuisine of Italy by Judith Barrett.  1 ounce dried...

From the book Snacks for Dinner by Lukas Volger. Copyright © 2022 by Lukas Volger. Published by Harper Wave, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Reprinted by permission. From Lukas' notes: These warm, creamy beans cloaked in smoky, savory olive oil are a quick centerpiece “dip” for a snacky meal. They...

(Photo: Tim Clinch) From Kate: "Consider garbure as the Gascon lagniappe, that little somethingextra that a shopkeeper gives a good customer. Garbure can be madeon its own or it can be the perfect use for leftovers after making agood and generous cassoulet. (I always seem to have a few beans...

Friend of The Bean and Rancho Gordo pal, Arnab Chaladar, helps us out with Indian-inspired bean dishes (and good whisky recommendations on his My Annoying Opinions blog), but here he goes for something simple and classic, perfect for soup season.    Ingredients2 cups cooked flageolet beans (beans cooked simply with...

It’s not a bean soup or a sauerkraut soup. It’s its own thing and I can’t wait to make this again. There are many versions of this and if you aren’t using good heirloom beans, like our Royal Coronas, I would add some sausages or a ham hock. I’m not trying to be funny, but the flavor just won’t be there unless you use good heirloom beans. Similarly, if you don’t have homemade sauerkraut on hand, use a trusted brand.

½ of a white onion, minced2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, roughly chopped, with seeds and sauce1 cup chopped tomatoes2 garlic cloves, minced1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil6 cups vegetable broth (preferably homemade)1 cup cooked Rancho Gordo Garbanzo beans, drained1 cup peeled, sliced carrots2 small zucchini, slicedAvocado cubes for garnishLime wedges...

1 cup uncooked Rancho Gordo Marcella beans, picked over and rinsed1 tablespoon plus ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided use)2 garlic cloves, minced1 sprig of fresh rosemary2 tablespoons salted butter1 onion, thinly sliced2 large carrots, peeled and diced2 celery stalks, diced1 russet potato, peeled and diced½ pound green beans, trimmed...

Tanya Holland is one of our favorite chefs and we love the fresh tweaks she gives to classic dishes.  1 pound/455 g Rancho Gordo Black-Eyed Peas, picked over2 tablespoons unsalted butter2 medium onions, finely chopped3 large garlic cloves, minced1 large jalapeño chile, seeded and minced2 medium celery ribs, diced1 medium...

A customer sent in a recipe from the UK paper, The Guardian, by Spanish chef José Pizarro. It was for a traditional Basque stew using Toloso beans, which are famous and somewhat wonderful. A runner bean like Ayocote Negro would be close, but not quite. Oddly, our Whipple bean is...