1¼cupsextra-large dried butter beans (lima beans)sorted and rinsed
1tbspkosher salt
1sprig rosemary
1bay leaf
120gcooked mild dry chorizocut into 1/4-inch cubes
½cuppiquillo peppersthinly sliced
1head radicchio
1cupItalian parsley leaves
½cupshaved Parmigiano Reggianooptional
Sherry Vinaigrette
¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
2clovesgarlicthinly sliced
1shallotminced
2tbspsherry vinegar
1tsplemon zest
1tbsplemon juice
¾tspsmoked paprika
1tbspthyme leaves
½tspkosher salt
½tspfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Place butter beans in large bowl, cover with 3 inches cold water and let stand at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours. Drain and rinse beans.
In large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, add beans and enough cold water to cover them by 4 inches. Bring almost to a boil, skimming off any foam. Add salt, rosemary and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until tender and creamy inside but not falling apart, about 60 minutes. Drain; discard rosemary and bay leaf.
While beans are cooking, make Sherry Vinaigrette. In large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium. Add garlic and shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper. Add the warm butter beans, stirring to coat. Let them marinate in the vinaigrette until ready to use, 30 minutes or longer. When ready to serve, stir in chorizo and piquillo peppers and gently warm for 3 or 4 minutes over low heat.
To serve, tear radicchio into bite-sized pieces and scatter over a large platter. Sprinkle with parsley and top with warm butter beans; finish with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano (if using).
Notes
Cooking time will vary depending on the size and age of the beans. Be patient, and you will be rewarded with creamy butter beans.