Being an old wife myself, I feel a need to set the record straight. Many other old wives are out there spreading nonsense. It is a fallacy that beans should not be salted until they are soft. Beans can and should be lightly salted at the beginning of the cook. Salt will not prevent them from softening. Any acidic ingredient will, though. Tomatoes or vinegar added before beans are fully cooked will cause them never to soften, no matter how long they are cooked.
Great minds! I just put up a Substack post about minestrone which is sorta, kinda the same thing with a few twists and tweaks. I was struck by the statement that nothing gets fried, everything gets steamed in that increasingly flavorful stock-not-stock. Question: Does anyone except the old old granny still do this? These treasures are disappearing, I think, maintained only by the likes of thee, Elisabeth, and thank the goddess for you!
Croquetas coming up shortly for my beloved paid subscribers!
Being an old wife myself, I feel a need to set the record straight. Many other old wives are out there spreading nonsense. It is a fallacy that beans should not be salted until they are soft. Beans can and should be lightly salted at the beginning of the cook. Salt will not prevent them from softening. Any acidic ingredient will, though. Tomatoes or vinegar added before beans are fully cooked will cause them never to soften, no matter how long they are cooked.
Great minds! I just put up a Substack post about minestrone which is sorta, kinda the same thing with a few twists and tweaks. I was struck by the statement that nothing gets fried, everything gets steamed in that increasingly flavorful stock-not-stock. Question: Does anyone except the old old granny still do this? These treasures are disappearing, I think, maintained only by the likes of thee, Elisabeth, and thank the goddess for you!
Croquetas!! My complete favourite snack. Soo addictive and utterly delicious. Your next paintings, my next treat
My favorite! THANKS so much for the brilliant illustrated recipe. LOVE your photo!