White Tepary Bean and Potato Purée

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Drain soaked beans and place in a large saucepan or Dutch oven with 1 quart water, the onion and crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a gentle boil, add bay leaf and thyme, cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Add salt to taste and simmer another 30 minutes. Add potato and continue to simmer another 30 minutes to an hour, until beans and potatoes are very tender. Using tongs, remove onion, bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

2. Step 2

   Set a large strainer over a bowl and drain beans and potato. Transfer to a food processor, add ½ cup of bean broth, and process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt. Add pepper if desired. Transfer to a wide bowl or an oven-proof serving dish. Thin out as desired with more broth. Serve hot or warm.

3. Step 3

   For optional garnish, heat olive oil over medium heat in a small frying pan and add garlic and red pepper flakes. When garlic begins to sizzle and smell fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute, remove from heat and drizzle over beans.