method
1. Put the beans in a large pan, cover them with water and bring to the boil. Boil the beans rapidly for 20 minutes, then drain them.
2. Cook the pasta for only 3 minutes in a large pan of boiling salted water, adding 1 tablespoon of the oil. Drain in a colander and set aside.
3. Put the beans in a large flameproof casserole, pour on the vegetable stock and stir in the remaining olive oil, the onions, garlic, bay leaves, herbs, wine and tomato
puree (paste).
4. Bring to the boil, cover the casserole and cook in a preheated oven, 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4, for 2 hours.
5. Add the reserved pasta, the celery, fennel, mushrooms and tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle on the breadcrumbs. Cover the casserole and continue cooking for another hour. Serve hot, with salad leaves and plenty of crusty bread.
serving amount
serves 4
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