Butterbean and thyme stew with sausage and ciabatta.
I will admit I am a bit of a food fanatic. There is a bliss I feel when I am cooking and entertaining. The time when I am preparing and cooking is a hands busy, mind distracted, peaceful and precious nugget of ‘me time’. I am no extravagant cook but I enjoy trying new things and being health conscious, but not obsessive, we all need to a treat every now and then. During the winter session comfort food is my absolute craving. A steaming bowl full of punchy flavored goodness is all I require to keep me going and in a good mood on those dull, dark and rainy days that seem to be never ending during an Irish winter. Here is what I turned to yesterday when I hit the midday slump. I shuffled into the kitchen cocooned in a blanket and turned to this wonderful meal to not only fuel me into action for the next part of my day but also to satisfy the unhappily cold child in me who wanted nothing more than to curl up on the couch in front of the fire and blame the laziness on the weather. Needless to say this definitely contributed to a rather more productive day than expected.
Serves 1
400g can of Butterbeans
Clove of garlic
Red onion
3 sprigs of fresh thyme (1/2tsp dried also works well)
300ml water (amount varies depending on beans and consistency/thickness desired)
2 vegetarian sausages (standard sausages for the meat eaters)
Bread of choice
This is the simplest thing to prepare, a one pot wonder. All required is to gently fry the garlic and onion in a pot, once softened add all remaining ingredients save for the sausages and bread. Allow to simmer for approx. 20mins depending on the beans, cook until softened and bursting. Mash the beans gently in the pot to realize some starch and thicken the stew. Finish with some extra thyme to brighten the flavor, season and serve with grilled sausages and some wonderful bread. Comforting, warm and sure to get you going and keep you happy in the cold.
Moments in Time 