SC - Cassoulet

[Philip & Susan Troy]

Dottie Elliott wrote:
> 
> Aine of Wyvernwood 10/8/97 2:28 PM
> 
> >>      I know we discussed this fairly recently but, are beans period?  I
> >>      don't recall the actual decision but IIRC it seems like it was that
> >>      beans, such as white beans, were not period.  (Although I do believe
> >>      cassoulet is like nectar of the gods!)
> >>
> >>      Mercedes
> 
> In the 2nd edition of Pleyn Delit, it says that fava, lentil and kidney
> beans (?) were the only beans available in the middle ages. I knew of
> fava and lentils but this is the first I have heard of kidney beans.  I
> would like to know more about them.
> 
> Clarissa

At the risk of rehashing old discussions that are probably archived
somewhere, yes, lentils, chick peas, and favas are it among what we
commonly think of as beans, until the end of period. While other beans
were known after Columbus' jaunt to the New World, they do not appear to
have been widely eaten by Europeans until the late 16th, early 17th
centuries. One can argue that Europeans had exposure to the New World
beans (such as haricots vert, cannelini, red kidney beans, etc.) within
period, but the fact is that their use is not typical of period European
eating habits, any more than the other New World foods. 

On the other hand, there are numerous recipes for bean, chick pea, and
lentil stews, often made with preserved meats of various kinds, from
within period. Hold the tomatoes, of course...

Adamantius  
______________________________________
Phil & Susan Troy
troy at asan.com
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