Saturday Night Fixins

Growing up in a large family, one thing was certain: Saturday night meant hot dogs and beans for dinner. Every Saturday night was my parents' date night, no questions asked. 
I have not carried on the hot dog and bean tradition, but here are a couple of recipes, Texas style, that are perfect for Saturday night.

 

Texas Style Beans

1 pound dry pinto beans

(I actually used what I had on hand- pink beans, habichuelas rosadas)

1 large onion, chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

2 fresh tomatoes, diced

1-2 jalapeno peppers, chopped, no seeds

1 can beer

Salt and pepper to taste

Cover one pound beans with water and soak overnight.

Drain water, recover with water and cook slowly until done (1.5-2 hours), drain liquid.

Saute onion and garlic till melted and beginning to brown. Salt and pepper lightly. Add fresh tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. Once combined, add drained beans and beer. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Adapted from Cooks.com 

Fresh & Sweet Corn Bread

1 cup cornmeal                                          1 cup unbleached flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar                   1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda                          1 teaspoon baking powder

3 eggs, beaten                                             1 cup buttermilk

1 cup corn kernels                                                ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary  

2/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Butter and flour (or oil) a 9” square pan (I used my LeCreuset oblong dish)

Mix dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl.

Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the eggs and buttermilk.

Prepare batter: Pour the liquid mixture into the center of the dry ingredients; beat together lightly. Fold in the corn, butter, rosemary and cheese.

Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes.

Serve warm.

**For added taste and heat, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients.

Adapted from Farmer John’s Cookbook, The Real Dirt on Vegetables

You'll probably not guess what we paired with the beans and corn bread. Fresh grilled tuna, very lightly seasoned with sesame oil and sesame seeds and only grilled to sear the outside. Unusual, yes, but delicious together!

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