Roughly translated, this Italian dish means "the bean eaters red hot gnocchi." These oval dumplings work well as a side dish or a main event. We like them served simply, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and a dash of Tabasco, but if you're feeling a bit Italian, toss them in a pasta sauce.

• 2 cups cooked navy beans, drained, pureed, and sieved
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 jalapeño chile, seeds and stem removed, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 stick margarine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the bean puree in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continually. Mix in the garlic, jalapeño, nutmeg, and flour into the mixture. Continue to beat until the mixture is very smooth and fluffy.

Grease a medium-sized baking dish. Melt the stick of margarine and place it in a small bowl. Using two tablespoons dipped in the melted margarine, scoop up a portion of the mixture and shape it into oval shaped dumplings. Place the dumplings side by side in the baking dish. Continue the process until all of the mixture is used. Sprinkle the gnocchi with the remaining margarine and Parmesan, and bake, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 6 servings