Azuki with vegetables and bacon

Delicious Azuki Recipe with Vegetables and Bacon

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to a world of savory flavors and healthy ingredients! Today, I will share with you a recipe that not only combines delicious ingredients but also offers significant nutritional benefits. It is about Azuki with vegetables and bacon – a healthy, vibrant dish that will delight both your taste buds and your soul.

About Azuki

Azuki beans are a remarkable ingredient, often praised for their nutritional qualities. These small beans are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, with a 100g serving containing approximately 20mg of protein and 17mg of fiber, making them an excellent remedy against fatigue. Additionally, they contain calcium, potassium, and vitamin A, playing an important role in maintaining health and energy. This recipe will not only provide you with a delicious meal but also a constant source of energy!

Necessary Ingredients

- 200g azuki beans (green or red)
- 200g pancetta or bacon
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 potato
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 800ml vegetable or meat broth (to preference)
- Fresh parsley or celery leaves for garnish

Step by Step to a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the azuki beans under cold running water to remove impurities. There is no need to soak them beforehand, as the small beans cook quite quickly.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and dice the parsley root, carrot, and potato into small cubes. This will help ensure even and quick cooking.

3. Sautéing: In a deep skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the diced pancetta or bacon and let it fry for about 2 minutes until it becomes crispy.

4. Adding the vegetables: Now is the time to add the chopped vegetables - carrot, parsley, and potato. Mix well and let them sauté together for 2-3 minutes. This will enhance the flavors of the dish.

5. Boiling the beans: Add the washed azuki beans to the skillet and pour the vegetable or meat broth over them. Add salt and pepper to taste, but I recommend adding salt at the end to avoid toughening the bean skins.

6. Cooking: Let everything simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you notice that the broth is reducing too much, you can add a little water or broth.

7. Finishing the dish: When the beans are cooked and the vegetables are tender, it's time to add the fresh parsley or celery leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

8. Serving: You can enjoy Azuki with vegetables and bacon as is, or turn the dish into a delicious soup by adding more broth, depending on your preference. It’s perfect for a family meal or for a cozy autumn evening when you need culinary comfort.

Useful Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat or make the dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding more vegetables or aromatic spices like cumin or turmeric.

- Serving: This recipe pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons, which will add an interesting texture.

- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of beans? Yes, you can use white or red beans, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I turn the recipe into a soup? All you need to do is add more broth, depending on your desired consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Azuki beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Consuming fresh vegetables provides an additional boost of antioxidants and minerals. This dish can be a healthy choice for lunch or dinner, offering a feeling of fullness and energy.

The entire recipe has approximately 350 calories per serving, making it an ideal option for those looking to stay fit without giving up on savory flavors.

Now that you have all the details, all that's left is to get cooking! I would love to hear from you about how your recipe turned out! Maybe even share a photo of your delicious dish. Enjoy your meal!