Greek Bean Spread

This is a simple recipe for a light and healthy spring/summer meal.  You can serve this spread atop toasted sourdough bread or flat bread.  Or, you can serve this alone as a side dish to compliment your main dish.

Ingredients:

1 can butter beans, rinsed

3+ Tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp tomato puree

2 cans diced tomatoes, drained

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp dried oregano or 1 Tbsp fresh

Pinch of ground cinnamon

2+ Tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened but not browned.  Add tomato puree and cook for 1 minute.  Add remaining ingredients except beans and simmer for 2-3 minutes.  Season generously and then stir in beans.
Spray an oven-safe baking dish with non-stick spray.  Add mixture from skillet to baking dish and bake for ~45 minutes, uncovered and without stirring.  The beans will absorb the flavors and the sauce will thicken.  Allow to cool and drizzle with a little bit more olive oil and scatter top with chopped parsley.

Serve atop toasted sourdough bread or flat bread and pair with a tossed salad for a complete meal.


Recipe taken from: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/12229/images/12229_MEDIUM.jpg