This recipe is from the island of Brac, one of the many islands along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. This recipe relies on using highly flavored beans such as the cranberry or Borlotti.


1lb. cranberry beans- You may soak them overnight if they are older beans. If they are fresh picked they will cook in about 1/2 to 1 hour. Older beans can take up to 4+ hours.

water to more than cover the beans
3 oz. good olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 cups finely chopped onions.
2 to 3 cloves crushed garlic
3 oz. red wine vinegar
12 oz. dry pasta (Mostaccioli is traditional)
Salt & pepper Be generous with the pepper
Grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese. (They used goat cheese on the island)

Simmer the beans until about done. Add water as needed. Some people
like it soupy, some like it at a stewy consistency. Add accordingly.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the onions. Cook until they are
soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook until it is done but not
brown. Add the vinegar and stir. The pan should be hot enough so that
it sizzles a bit. Pour into the beans and add the pasta. Cook until
done. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with cheese. Accompany with crusty
bread, Zinfandel wine and a simple salad. If you have day old bread,
youcan tear it into pieces and put them in the bowl before pouring.
This should feed about 6.