Bow Ties with Fennel, Green Beans and Baby Limas
Nutritional Information
4 to 6 ServingsAmount Per serving:
| Calories | 338 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Total fat | 6g |
| Carbs | 50g |
| Cholesterol | mg |
| Sodium | 726mg |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugars | g |
Most of us prefer our green beans briefly cookedjust until they're crisp-tender and bright green. Slightly longer cooking may dim the color, but it brings out the beans' inherent sweetness. Braising them with lima beans, tomatoes and fennel creates a delightful sauce for pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 medium bulb fennel, chopped (1 cup)
- 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbs. fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen baby lima beans
- 6 oz. green beans, trimmed and halved (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, rinsed, halved and pitted
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
- 12 oz. dried bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz.; optional)
Directions
- Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and fennel and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and fennel seeds and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in broth and lima beans and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in green beans and salt, reduce heat to medium and simmer until all beans are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and olives and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have blended, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and pepper.
- Shortly before sauce is ready, add bow ties to boiling water; stir to prevent sticking. Cook, stirring often, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and place in large warm serving bowl. Add bean mixture and toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan if desired.
