Bean stew with sausages

Bean Stew with Sausages Recipe

Enjoy a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavor and warmth, with this bean stew recipe with sausages. Perfect for cool evenings, this dish is not only delicious but also comforting. The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and this recipe serves 4 hearty portions.

Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans
- 2 large onions
- 3 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 smoked sausages (optional for the meat version)
- Half a teaspoon of sugar (optional, for a balanced taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Beans: Start by soaking the beans in cold water overnight. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and improve the digestibility of the beans.

2. Boiling the Beans: The next day, drain the beans and rinse them well. Place them in a pressure cooker, add water, and boil for about 1 hour or until soft. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot, but the boiling time will be longer (about 2-3 hours).

3. Preparing the Sauce: In a pot, add the oil and finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add a little water to prevent sticking, then add the paprika and bay leaves. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combining the Ingredients: Once the beans are boiled, add them to the pot along with the tomato paste. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Season with salt and pepper, and if you want a balanced taste, add half a teaspoon of sugar.

5. Preparing the Sausages: If you choose to use sausages, make shallow cuts on each side and fry them in a pan with a little oil until golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Serve the bean stew hot, alongside the fried sausages. It is delicious with fresh red onion or pickles, such as bell peppers or sauerkraut. This adds a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the creaminess of the stew.

Vegan Option: If you want to prepare a vegan version of this recipe, simply omit the sausages. The bean stew remains just as tasty and filling, making it an excellent choice for meatless days.

Personal Suggestion: You can also add some herbs, such as thyme or dill, during boiling to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy your meal! This bean stew with sausages will surely delight you with its rich and comforting taste, making it a perfect choice for family meals.