Fresh bean dish with potatoes

Fresh Bean Stew with Potatoes – A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Are you dreaming of a hearty and flavorful meal that reminds you of warm summer days? Fresh bean stew with potatoes is the perfect choice! This easy-to-make recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also be a healthy option, ideal for fasting days or as a side dish to meat dishes. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 300 g thin yellow beans (fresh)
- 3 medium potatoes (about 200 g each)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 100 ml tomato juice (preferably freshly squeezed or from canned tomatoes)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 4 cloves of garlic

Recipe History

Bean stew is an ancient dish, appreciated in many cultures for its simplicity and versatility. Over time, beans have been considered a staple ingredient, rich in protein and essential nutrients. This simple dish has often been prepared in households, becoming a symbol of comfort and the joy of sharing a warm meal with loved ones.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cleaning and Cutting the Beans
Start by cleaning the yellow beans, trimming both ends. Then, cut each pod into two or three equal parts. Rinse the beans well under cold running water to remove impurities.

2. Preparing the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm. This will help them cook evenly.

3. Onion and Garlic
Peel and finely chop the onion. Also, peel the garlic cloves and mince them. The fresh dill should be finely chopped to release its flavors into the dish.

Cooking the Dish

4. Heating the Oil
In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil will help caramelize the onion, bringing a delicious flavor.

5. Sautéing the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the hot oil. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. This step is essential for creating a flavorful base for the dish.

6. Adding the Potatoes
Once the onion is sautéed, add the potato cubes. Stir well and let them brown slightly, about 5 minutes.

7. Boiling the Beans
Meanwhile, in another pot, bring about 1 liter of salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the yellow beans and let them cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender but not mushy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.

8. Combining the Ingredients
After the beans are cooked, drain them well using a colander. Add them to the pot with the onion and potatoes. Add hot water (about 300 ml) to cover the ingredients and let it simmer on low heat until the potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes.

9. Finishing the Dish
When the potatoes are almost done, add the tomato juice, minced garlic, and dill. Adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Serving

Fresh bean stew with potatoes can be served hot as a delicious main dish for fasting or as a side dish alongside meats, schnitzels, or even fish. You can add a fresh salad on the side for a contrast of textures and flavors. A personal suggestion is to drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad for an extra touch of freshness.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a healthy choice, low in calories due to its natural ingredients. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that will give you energy. A serving of fresh bean stew with potatoes (about 250 g) contains approximately 250-300 kcal, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned beans?
Although fresh beans offer a better texture, you can use canned beans. Make sure to rinse them well before use to remove excess sodium.

2. How can I vary the recipe?
You can add carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. You can also substitute the tomato juice with tomato sauce or tomato puree for a more intense flavor.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
Mineral water or a dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.

Tips for a Perfect Result

- Ensure the beans are fresh; they should be crisp and light green.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or bay leaves during boiling.
- Don’t forget to adjust the spices at the end, as each ingredient has an impact on the overall taste.

This fresh bean stew with potatoes recipe is not only delicious but also easy to adapt to your personal tastes. So, invite your friends and family to join you in this culinary adventure! Enjoy your meal!