(Fasolia gigantes)
Ingredients:
2 cups giant white beans
1 tsp baking soda (optional)
1 large onion, finely chopped,
5 celery sticks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tsp tomato paste
2 cups grated ripe tomatoes (in blender)
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp oregano
salt, pepper
Method:
Soak the beans in plenty of cold water (6-7 cups) with the baking soda overnight. Drain and rinse well the following day. Place in a saucepan, cover with cold water and leave to boil. Lower to a medium heat and boil for approximately 1½ hours, until soft then drain.
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Heat the olive oil and fry the onion and garlic until brown. Add the tomato, the tomato paste (dissolved in a cup of water), the celery, the oregano, salt and pepper, and cover the saucepan. Leave to simmer for 15 minutes.
Place the beans in an oven proof dish, cover with the sauce and stir. Cook in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes.