16 Bean Salute

16 Bean Dream Mix

Pinto Beans * Small Red Beans * Pink Beans * Kidney Beans * Great Northern Beans * Baby Lima Beans * Blackeye Peas * Small White Beans * Black Beans * Whole Green Peas * Yellow Split Peas * Green Split Peas * Lentils * Chick Peas * Pearl Barley

16 Bean Salute Chicken Soup a la Chez Terez:

One large whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
Carrot
Celery
Onion
Garlic
Whole Peppercorns
Sea Salt
Water to cover

One package Goya's 16 Bean Soup Mix

----->Toss all ingredients -except the beans!- in a large stock pot (roughly chop the carrot, celery, garlic and onion first--but save five carrots and an onion for later in the recipe) and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for one hour. Turn off the heat and then cover the pot and let it rest for 45 more minutes.

----->Meanwhile, pour half of one package of Goya's 16 Bean Soup Mix into a medium sauce pot. Cover with twice as much boiling water, pop on the lid and set aside, soaking beans and peas for about 90 minutes.

------>Back to the chicken! After simmering and resting is complete, strain broth and reserve.  Pick chicken apart and toss the rest. Skim the fat off the top of the chicken broth (I find it helpful to put it in the fridge in a shallow bowl for a bit first).

------>Take one more onion and roughly chop, toss it into the empty stockpot with olive oil, salt and pepper; saute until translucent. Peel and chop ~5 more carrots into coins, add to onion mixture and saute one minute more.

------>Drain beans and pour into stock pot, cover with reserved chicken broth (about six cups) and simmer for one hour.

----->Add half of the shredded chicken (save the rest for chicken salad, mmmm) and bring to a simmer again.

----->Ladle, salt, pepper, enjoy!

----->If you are lucky enough to live by a bakery, fresh whole wheat bread and salted butter is delicious as a side. I recommend Clear Flour Bread in Brookline, Mass.

***Life changing. The different textures and and flavors of the beans are subtle and satisfying. Next time I am going to add a couple of cups of chopped kale or spinach for some extra green and flavor.

XOXO Terez