Cannellini Bean Salad with Bacon and Onion

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Ingredients:

• Dried Cannellini Beans – 1 1/2 cups
• Bacon Rashers – 2
• Onion – 1, quartered
• Garlic Cloves – 3, peeled
• Thyme – 2 sprigs
• Olive Oil
• Ground Black Pepper
• Salt
• Lemon Juice – 1 1/2 tblsp
• Parsley – 3 tblsp, chopped

Method:

1. Place the dried beans in a bowl and cover with plenty of cold water.
2. Soak for about 12 hours.
3. Drain and transfer to a pan.
4. Trim rind from the bacon and add it to the pan.
5. Add half the onion, 2 garlic cloves and thyme.
6. Cover generously with cold water and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
8. Dice the bacon and remaining onion.
9. Sauté in 1 tblsp oil, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and lightly coloured and the bacon slightly crisp.
10. Drain the cooked beans and transfer to a bowl.
11. Add the bacon and onion.
12. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, adding salt and pepper to taste.
13. Keep aside to cool.
14. When cool, add a little extra oil if required.
15. Add the lemon juice and parsley.
16. Stir well and serve.