Bow Ties with Fennel, Green Beans and Baby Limas Recipe

Bow Ties with Fennel, Green Beans and Baby Limas

4 to 6 Servings

Most of us prefer our green beans briefly cookedjust until they're crisp-tender and bright green. Slightly longer cooking may dim the color, but it brings out the beans' inherent sweetness. Braising them with lima beans, tomatoes and fennel creates a delightful sauce for pasta.

1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
½ medium bulb fennel, chopped (1 cup)
4 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. fennel seeds, lightly crushed
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup frozen baby lima beans
6 oz. green beans, trimmed and halved (1 ½ cups)
½ tsp. salt
¾ cup canned crushed tomatoes
½ cup kalamata olives, rinsed, halved and pitted
1⁄3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ tsp. freshly ground pepper
12 oz. dried bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz.; optional)

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and fennel and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and fennel seeds and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in broth and lima beans and bring to a simmer.
Stir in green beans and salt, reduce heat to medium and simmer until all beans are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Add tomatoes and olives and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have blended, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and pepper.
Shortly before sauce is ready, add bow ties to boiling water; stir to prevent sticking. Cook, stirring often, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and place in large warm serving bowl. Add bean mixture and toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan if desired.