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1
In a large pot, cover the beans with cold water and add the rosemary branch, 1 tablespoon of the coarse sea salt, the clove-stuck onion, and 1 clove of the crushed garlic.
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2
Over a lively flame, bring the mixture to a boil, remove the pot from the flame, cover it tightly, and permit it to rest for 1 hour.
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3
Core and roughly chop the cabbage and poach it in sea-salted water (using 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt) until tender.
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4
Drain the cabbage and set it aside.
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5
Drain the beans, discarding all the aromatics, cover them with fresh, cold water, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt, and bring the beans to a simmer, cooking them gently, so they do not dry out, for 1 hour, until they are soft and creamy.
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6
Drain the beans, reserving a cup or so of the cooking water, and cool them for a few minutes.
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7
In the bowl of a food processor, puree the beans, in two batches if necessary, adding a few drops of their cooking water to form a smooth paste.
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8
Transfer all but 1/2 cup of the paste to a large bowl.
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9
Process the poached cabbage with 4 cloves of crushed garlic, rosemary leaves, and chile pepper, adding it to the bean paste.
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10
Generously grind pepper over the dish and add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of fine sea salt, blending the components well with a wooden spoon.
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11
In a small bowl, beat 2 tablespoons of the oil with the egg and mix into the beans.
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12
The paste should be soft but of a moldable texture.
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13
Should it seem too soft, add the 3/4 cup of reserved bean paste.
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14
(If you do not need the bean paste for the frittelle, it makes lunch for the cook spread on oven-toasted bread.)
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15
Form the paste into plump ovals, 3 inches by 2 inches, and roll them about in the bread crumbs, giving them a good, thick coating.
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16
In a large saute pan, warm 3/4 cup of the oil and crust the fritters well on both sides.
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17
Saute at one time only those that will fit into the pan without touching.
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18
As the fritters are sauteed, remove them to drain on absorbent paper towels and then transfer them to a warming plate set in a 200-degree oven while you proceed.
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19
Though the fritters are a wonderful first course, they are also luscious companions to the arrosticini alla brace (page 151).