Bean stew

Bean stew: a warm and comforting delicacy

If you are looking for a comfort food recipe, bean stew is the perfect choice. This savory dish, rich in flavor and texture, combines simple ingredients into a harmony of tastes. Similar to bean soup, the stew is distinguished by the addition of white wine, which gives it a distinct and refined note.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (30 minutes boiling and 30 minutes in the oven)
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals. They will not only fill you up but also help maintain digestive health. Additionally, onions and garlic have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:
- 700 g beans
- 2-3 large onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 400 g diced tomatoes (you can also use canned tomatoes)
- 50 ml white wine (choose a quality dry wine)
- 6-7 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- Dried thyme
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation technique:

Step 1: Preparing the beans
To achieve soft and flavorful beans, it is essential to soak them overnight. Place the beans in a large bowl of water, ensuring the water covers them well. If possible, change the water 2-3 times during the night. The next day, drain the beans and put them to boil. I prefer to use a pressure cooker, which significantly reduces the cooking time. Add clean water, salt, a few peppercorns, 3-4 cloves of garlic, the bay leaf, and a few sprigs of thyme. Let it boil for about 30 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the quality of the beans.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetable sauce
While the beans are boiling, prepare the sauce. Peel the onions and slice them julienne. Dice the bell peppers, and crush the garlic through a press. Finely chop the fresh parsley. In a heated pan, add olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent. Then, add the white wine and let it evaporate, releasing delicious aromas. The next step is to add the diced tomatoes and their juice, mixing well. Finally, incorporate the crushed garlic and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the stew
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. In a baking dish, place the boiled beans, then pour the vegetable sauce on top. Gently mix to combine the ingredients and adjust the taste with salt, freshly ground pepper, and smoked paprika, which adds a smoky and aromatic note. For a pleasant appearance, place a few slices of colorful bell pepper on top. Now, it’s time to bake the stew for 20-30 minutes. During this time, the sauce will reduce, and the flavors will intensify.

Step 4: Serving the bean stew
When the stew is ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. It is served hot, alongside pickles or a hot pepper for those who prefer a bit of spice. It is a fantastic dish for fasting days or for those who want to eat healthily.

Practical tips:
1. Variations of ingredients: You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the vegetable sauce to enhance the nutritional intake.
2. For an even more intense flavor: Before adding the wine, you can add a bit of tomato paste, which will provide a deeper taste.
3. Storing leftovers: The bean stew keeps very well in the fridge, and the next day it is even tastier, as the flavors have time to blend.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can canned beans be used?
Yes, but in this case, you need to reduce the cooking time, as canned beans are already cooked.
- Can I add meat?
Of course! If you want a meaty version, you can add some pieces of sausage or ham, which you can sauté together with the onions.
- What other recipes can I try?
Bean stew pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad or a serving of warm polenta. You can also try a bean meatball recipe to complement the meal.

Conclusion:
This bean stew is not just a delicious recipe but also a journey into the world of simple and healthy flavors. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or for an evening with friends, it will surely be appreciated by everyone. Enjoy your meal!