Bean stew with sausages

Bean stew with sausages – a classic, comforting, and flavorful recipe, perfect for chilly days or when you want to bring warmth and tradition into your kitchen. This dish combines the rich flavors of vegetables with the creamy texture of beans, offering a nutritious, filling, and, last but not least, delicious meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 500 g beans (preferably white or yellow beans)
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium potato, whole
- 200 g tomato paste (or peeled tomatoes)
- 2-3 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 300 g sausages (preferably smoked or homemade)

Preparation of ingredients
To achieve a truly tasty dish, preparing the ingredients is essential:
1. Beans: Soak the beans in cold water overnight. This step not only reduces cooking time but also helps eliminate substances that may cause abdominal discomfort.

2. Onion, pepper, and carrot: Finely chop the onion and bell pepper, and grate the carrot. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of the dish.

3. Sausages: You can choose between smoked sausages or fresh meat sausages. Lightly fry them to enhance their flavor, being careful not to cook them completely, as they will continue to cook in the stew.

Preparation of the stew
1. Boiling the beans: After soaking, drain and rinse the beans well. Place the beans in a large pot with water. Once it comes to a boil, change the water to hot water (this is a great trick to prevent intestinal discomfort). Add the whole potato, which will absorb unpleasant substances.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pan heated with oil, add the onion, pepper, and carrot. Sauté for about 10 minutes until they soften and become translucent. If necessary, add a cup of hot water to help them steam. Cover the pan with a lid to retain moisture.

3. Adding the tomato paste: Once the vegetables are softened, add the tomato paste and sauté together for 5 minutes. This step will bring depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the dish.

4. Combining the ingredients: When the beans are almost cooked (about 20-30 minutes), drain the potato and add the beans, a ladle of the water in which the beans boiled (to intensify the flavor), and the fried sausages. Gently stir to avoid crushing the beans.

5. Final cooking: Add the bay leaves, sweet paprika, and salt to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld well.

6. Finishing: Once the stew is ready, turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley. This will add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Serving and variations
Bean stew with sausages is perfect served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add a salad of pickles for a crunchy and sour contrast.

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the sausages with mushrooms or textured soy. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cumin or garlic, to add a distinct flavor.

Useful tips
- Boil cold water: When changing the water for the beans, make sure to use boiling water; otherwise, the beans will become rubbery.
- Check the consistency: The beans are ready when they are tender but not mushy. Check occasionally, especially in the last minutes of boiling.
- Parsley: Added at the end, parsley not only provides a note of freshness but also a pleasant appearance to the plate.

Nutritional benefits
Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, beneficial for digestion. They also contain B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious food ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use canned beans?: Yes, you can use canned beans, but make sure to rinse them well to eliminate excess sodium.
- How can I enhance the flavor?: You can also add spices like cumin or hot paprika, depending on your preferences.
- How long does it last?: You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Bean stew with sausages is not just a recipe but a story about tradition, comfort, and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, embark on culinary adventures and let yourself be carried away by the aromas of this delicious dish! Enjoy your meal!