Delightful bean stew will have you humming in the kitchen

Every time I make any kind of bean stew, I have a moment of sophomoric humor when I must at least hum the "beans, beans" rhyme. I know I'm not the only one out there, so fess up: You do, too, right? Even if you don't have the urge to sing rhymes from your childhood, you will still love this delightfully easy, filling stew. And it's good for you!

As written, it serves two as a main dish stew and four as a delicious side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meat, poultry or seafood. But I like it best with a big chunk of warm crusty bread slathered with butter. That it can be put together in less than 20 minutes only makes it more of a favorite on a cold January evening.

So pull out the skillet and saute this wonderful stew. I won't tell if you sing a little while you're in the kitchen. Enjoy!

Menu suggestion

White Bean and Spinach Stew

Warm crusty bread with butter

Crisp sauvignon blanc

• Alicia Ross is the co-author of "Desperation Dinners!" Contact her at Kitchen Scoop, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106, or send email to tellus@kitchenscoop.com. Or visit the Kitchen Scoop website at www.kitchenscoop.com.)