The spark was left-over liquid from cooking beans. The foundation was our bullet proof beurre monte. We took 1000 grams of the flavorful cooking liquid, which had a fair amount of residual bean sediment. We brought it to a simmer and put it into a blender. We turned the blender on low and sheared in 0.15% xanthan gum. Then we added 900 grams of cold butter piece by piece. Finally we added in 9.5 grams salt, 0.5% based on the total weight of all the ingredients. We did not have gum arabic on hand, so we omitted it.
The bean sediment added texture, viscosity and, apparently, emulsifying qualities. The finished liquid was rich and silky. It had the body of a thin custard base. Like our original bullet proof beurre monte, bean monte can be stored in the refrigerator and re-heated. It does not break. Utilizing the bean liquid is exciting. It breaks another boundary of maximizing ingredients and flavor. What other liquids are we discarding that could be formidable kitchen ingredients with a little added texture and body: pickle brine, salt cod stock, pasta water?
And what purpose does bean monte serve? It can be used to reheat and glaze beans. It can be a poaching medium for fish, meat and vegetables. It can be the sauce for pasta. It can take you down the rabbit hole.
Years Past
March 11, 2006
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