Beans with Iberian ham
Slow-cooked beans with jamón iberico: A recipe full of flavors and tradition
If you are looking for a comforting dish, rich in tastes and traditions, then I invite you to discover this recipe for slow-cooked beans with jamón iberico. This combination of creamy beans and jamón iberico, a symbol of Spanish cuisine, will bring not only flavor to your table but also a small portion of rich culinary culture.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
A brief introduction to the history of jamón
Jamón is the Spanish word for ham, but around the world it specifically refers to Spanish ham, which is dry-cured and aged. There are two main types of jamón: jamón serrano, which comes from pigs raised in mountainous areas, and jamón iberico, which is considered a special delicacy, coming from Iberian pigs known for their juicy and rich meat. This jamón has a fine texture, an intense flavor, and is ideal for enhancing various dishes.
Your ingredients
To prepare this wonderful beans with jamón iberico, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 g beans (preferably white or red beans, depending on your preferences)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 150 g jamón iberico (or another type of jamón if you do not have access to this)
- 400 ml tomato juice
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- A handful of fresh dill, chopped
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Olive oil, for frying
Step by step: Cooking the beans with jamón iberico
1. Preparing the beans: If you want to achieve creamier beans and a shorter cooking time, it is ideal to soak them in cold water the day before. This will reduce the boiling time and make the beans more digestible. So, don't forget to plan ahead!
2. Boiling the beans: After soaking, rinse the beans well and place them in a pot with cold water. Add the bay leaves and let them boil. After 10 minutes of boiling, change the water and repeat the process 2-3 times. This will help remove some substances that can cause digestive discomfort.
3. Cooking the vegetables: Once the beans are almost cooked, add the carrot, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Let them boil together for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
4. Preparing the jamón: In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Cut the jamón into medium-sized pieces (not too thin, so they don't dry out) and add them to the pan. Sauté lightly until golden and fragrant, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
5. The roux: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then add the flour and mix well to form a roux, which will thicken the dish. After a few minutes, pour in the tomato juice and mix well to avoid lumps.
6. Combining the ingredients: Add the roux over the boiled beans, stirring gently to evenly distribute the sauce. Let it simmer together for 10 minutes so that the flavors meld.
7. Finishing the dish: Finally, add the sautéed jamón pieces and the chopped herbs (parsley and dill). Mix gently and let it rest for 5 minutes. Do not add salt, as the jamón is already salty.
Serving and suggestions
Slow-cooked beans with jamón iberico can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or finely chopped red onion, to add a crunchy and refreshing contrast. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, while the jamón adds a burst of flavor and taste.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can substitute the jamón with bacon or ham, but the flavor will be different.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? No, as it contains jamón, but you can adapt the recipe using vegetables and spices to create a delicious vegan dish.
- How can I store leftovers? The slow-cooked beans keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and are even tastier the next day.
A festive meal variant
If you want to impress your guests, you can also add some green or black olives to the dish, providing a contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, serve the dish with a bottle of white or red wine, which will perfectly complement the refined taste of the jamón.
So, I invite you to venture into cooking this delicious recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 500g beans, 2 onions, 1 carrot, red and green bell pepper, 2 bay leaves, pieces of ham, tomato juice, parsley, dill, pepper, 2 tablespoons of flour
