Bean stew

Bean stew - a delicious recipe for cold days

Bean stew is one of those dishes that evokes warm memories and moments spent around the table with loved ones. It is a traditional recipe, full of flavor, that masterfully combines simple ingredients to offer a nourishing and comforting dish. This meal is perfect for the cold season when the body needs energy and nutrients. Additionally, it is an excellent option for a vegetarian diet, rich in protein and fiber.

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

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kilogram of large speckled beans
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium celery root, diced
- 1 medium parsnip, chopped
- 5 medium white onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup of tomato paste
- 1 cup of sunflower oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 sprig of dried thyme
- Salt, to taste

Preparation steps

1. Soaking the beans: The night before cooking, wash the beans well and let them soak in cold water. This will help them cook faster and be easier to digest.

2. Boiling the beans: Drain the water in which the beans soaked and rinse them again. Place the beans in a large pot, add fresh water and let them boil on high heat. When the water starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and parsnip) and a little salt. These vegetables will not only flavor the beans but also add valuable nutrients.

3. Preparing the sauce: After the beans have boiled for about 30-40 minutes, remove the vegetables from the pot. In a separate pan, heat the oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until golden and soft. Then, add the tomato paste and mix well. Remove the pan from heat and add the onion and tomato mixture over the boiled beans.

4. Finalizing the dish: Add the chopped dill and dried thyme to the pot with the beans. Gently stir and let it simmer together for another 10-15 minutes for the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

5. Serving: Bean stew is served hot, alongside homemade bread baked in a hearth, and pickles, which will add a crunchy and tangy note to the dish. Enjoy your meal!

Practical tips

- Choosing the beans: Choose high-quality beans, free from spots or defects. Large speckled beans are ideal, but you can also use other varieties depending on your preferences.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to enrich your dish, you can add mushrooms or other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
- Cooking tricks: If you don’t have time to soak the beans, you can use canned beans, but in this case, do not boil them for too long, just heat them in the tomato sauce.
- Storing the recipe: Bean stew keeps very well in the fridge, so you can prepare a larger quantity to have reserves for busy days.

Nutritional benefits

Bean stew is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Beans are rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin B, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. Additionally, consuming beans can help maintain heart health and control blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I add meat to the stew?
Yes, you can add pork or sausages during cooking for extra flavor. Cook the meat together with the beans and vegetables.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to make it spicier?
You can add hot peppers or spices like chili powder to the tomato sauce to give it a spicier taste.

3. Is bean stew good for a diet?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a healthy diet, due to its high content of protein and fiber, which helps maintain the feeling of fullness.

Serving suggestions

To add extra flavor to your meal, you can serve bean stew with a fresh summer salad or various pickles. A refreshing drink, such as fruit compote or mint lemonade, will perfectly complement this hearty meal.

In conclusion, bean stew is not just a dish but also a story about traditions and comfort. Prepared with love and patience, each serving will bring warmth and joy to the hearts of those who savor it. So, put on your chef's clothes and embark on the cooking adventure! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients list: approximately 1 kilogram of speckled beans, large-sized, 4 medium carrots, 1 medium celery root, 1 medium parsnip, 5 medium white onions, 1 cup of tomato paste, 1 cup of sunflower oil, 1 bunch of fresh dill, 1 sprig of thyme to taste.

 Tags:  beans bean stew stew recipe