Better, Bolder Beans with Amelia Christie-Miller

NOTE: iphone and ipad users, CLICK HERE to register for class.

What’s on the Menu:

• Porcini Mushroom “Beanotto”
• Chickpea, Tomato and Harissa
• Plus, how to make any canned bean taste great

One day, guest teacher Amelia Christie-Miller had a revelation: beans are amazing. It was unavoidably clear to her that, from speckled cranberry beans to enormous white runner beans, these versatile, inexpensive and protein-rich legumes weren’t getting the culinary love they deserve. (Maybe it’s because dry beans can be a hassle, or because canned beans so frequently fail to inspire?) As Amelia set out on the journey of starting her own bean company, she learned everything there is to know about beans—and she’s here to share it with you. Through recipes from her new book, “Bold Beans,” you’ll learn how to turn beans into what she calls a “beanotto,” where Arborio rice is replaced by tender white beans paired with the mushrooms, herbs, wine and Parmesan that we love in a risotto. And you’ll make a tajine-inspired stew of charred tomatoes, punchy harissa and—you guessed it—chickpeas, all while learning to strategically balance a bean’s flavor with spice, richness and acidity. Both dishes give Amelia an excuse to sing the praises of oft-maligned bean stock, which is a tragedy to send down the drain. Plus, she’ll share her transformative technique to give canned beans the flavor and texture of creamy, freshly cooked ones. And you’ll learn how to smartly substitute one bean for another and how to build a whole meal around a bean based on its color, texture and size.

Find where to buy “Bold Beans” here: https://linktr.ee/BoldBeansFullofBeans

About Amelia: Bold Bean Co. was created up by Amelia Christie-Miller who, following a bean epiphany in Spain, decided that the UK both needed and deserved to have a better understanding of beans and how brilliant they can be. Now listed in Selfridges, Waitrose and Planet Organic (as well as numerous independent shops and online outlets), Bold Beans are taking the food world by storm. “Bold Beans” is Amelia’s first cookbook.

Thank you to the 2025 Annual Sponsors of the Cooking School, who make our livestream events possible:

• Coccinella, whose Oleavia Extra-Virgin Olive Oils are made with olives that are harvested early, hand-picked and cold-pressed to ensure impeccable flavor. Use code MILK STREET to get 20% off your first order: https://www.coccinellastore.com/oleavia-evoo
• Copper, which makes battery-equipped induction ranges that power premium cooking experiences and store renewable energy — without the need for complex, expensive electrical upgrades. Learn more: t.ly/cU1pO
• Vermicular. With 80+ years of Japanese craftsmanship and heating innovation, they craft thoughtfully designed cast iron cookware that inspires chefs of all levels. Use code COOKLIGHT for 10% off their products at the Milk Street Store: t.ly/mu01T
• Work Sharp, which makes sharpening products that are fast, easy to use and work every time. Find their products on the Milk Street Store and use code SHARPSMART for 10% off: t.ly/SSsSz
• Wulf’s Fish and Savenor’s Market. Together, Wulf’s and Savenor’s provide premium seafood and gourmet meat to chefs and home cooks across the country. Use code MILKSTREET for 20% off orders from Wulf’s (t.ly/REVSO) and Savenor’s (t.ly/CRwjA).

If you have any questions about this class, please don't hesitate to get in touch via cookingschool@177milkstreet.com.

This event has limited spots and you must register in advance via Eventbrite in order to attend. One sign-up covers one device. Payments for Milk Street livestream events are non-refundable. If you find yourself unable to attend, you may transfer the ticket to someone else, but we are unable to refund fees and all payments are final.

Closed Captioning is available for all Milk Street virtual events.

Immediately after registering, you will get a confirmation email that contains the Zoom meeting log-in information. One week prior to the class (or within 48 hours, if you register less than one week in advance), you will receive instructions on how to prepare ingredients and equipment in order to cook along, if you choose.

After class, you will receive a recording of the event, as links to any additional recipes and resources that may come up. NOTE:The recording link is only available online for one month following each event. If you’d like to have access to the recording for longer than that, you'll need to save the recording locally by clicking on “download” on the top right corner of the recording page.

Proceeds from livestream cooking classes and workshops support Milk Street's non-profit work with The Big Sisters Association of Great Boston, The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, FoodCorps and other partners.

Bonus: All attendees of this class will receive a one-time 20% off coupon to the Milk Street Store after class.