Beans With Pork Rind
This is the Italian version of the popular pork-and-beans recipe.
1/2 pound pork (or ham) rind
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups peeled plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 48-ounce jar Randall Great Northern Beans
Battuto:
2 slices lean salt pork
1 garlic clove
1 small onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Cut the pork (or ham) rind into 1" x 2" pieces. Put them in a pot with at least 2 quarts of water, and boil, covered, for at least 1 hour, or until tender.
Make a battuto by putting the slices of salt pork on a chopping board. Top them with the onion, garlic, and celery, and chop, then mince until the pile has turned to a paste.
Sauté in olive oil in a large stewpot until golden. Add the plum tomatoes, the liquid in the beans, salt and pepper to taste, and the tender pork (or ham) rind. Cook for 30 minutes, to reduce the sauce and blend its flavor.
Add the Randall Beans, heat through, taste for salt, and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Serve hot.