Stewed beans

Stewed Beans: A Nostalgic and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Stewed beans is a dish that takes us back to our grandparents and the abundant meals of our childhood. It is a simple recipe, yet full of flavor, bringing together humble but nutrient-rich ingredients. This recipe has been passed down through generations, deeply rooted in culinary traditions, making it an excellent choice not only during fasting days but also any day of the week.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg dried beans
- 1 large onion
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the beans
Start by selecting the beans. Make sure there are no spoiled beans or debris. Then, rinse the beans under cold running water using a colander to remove impurities. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water, letting them soak until the next day. This step is essential as it helps the beans rehydrate and cook more evenly.

Step 2: Boiling the beans
The next day, place a large pot of water on to boil. When the water starts to boil, add the drained beans and reduce the heat to low. It is important to have another pot of water on the stove, which you will use to add hot water, thus avoiding thermal shock to the beans. Once the beans start to boil, drain them and pour hot water from the second pot over them. Repeat this process several times until the beans become soft but not fully cooked.

Step 3: Seasoning and finishing the dish
When the beans are almost cooked and the water has reduced enough, add a bay leaf to infuse its aroma. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. If the water reduces too much, add a little hot water, ensuring the beans do not dry out. At this point, you will need to prepare the tomato sauce.

Step 4: Preparing the tomato sauce
In a pan, heat the oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the diced bell pepper, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook for a few minutes. Then, add the tomato paste and mix everything well, allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and make the sauce rich and delicious.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the boiling beans. Stir gently, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed. Taste and add salt if necessary. Let it simmer together for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Finalizing and serving
After the dish is ready, turn off the heat and add the dried thyme. If desired, you can also add fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the stewed beans hot, accompanied by assorted pickles to complete the meal.

Helpful tips:
- Stewed beans is a versatile dish and can be served as a main course or a side dish. It pairs excellently with a fresh salad.
- For an even richer flavor, you can add some smoked sausages or bacon slices to the onion sauce before combining it with the beans.
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add some chopped hot pepper to the sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are filling and help maintain a balanced diet. This recipe is ideal for vegans and vegetarians, with a moderate caloric content (approximately 250 kcal per serving).

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the recipe.

2. How can I store stewed beans?
The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.

3. What other dishes can accompany stewed beans?
It pairs wonderfully with cabbage salads, pickles, or even a serving of polenta.

Stewed beans is not just a recipe, but a story that unfolds over time, filled with memories and flavors that invite us to the table. So, embrace the tradition and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!