Grilled bacon with dried bean dish

Bean stew with grilled bacon - A traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Bean stew with bacon is a recipe that brings together tradition and comfort, perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. This dish is not just a delicacy, but also a symbol of goodness and hospitality, with deep roots in folk cuisine.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g of beans (choose large beans for better consistency)
- 4 slices of smoked bacon (approximately 600 g)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers (you can also use sweet peppers for a sweeter taste)
- 1 pepper (optional, but adds an interesting flavor)
- A few fresh spinach leaves (for an extra nutrient boost)
- 1 bunch of parsley, dill, and lovage (fresh herbs bring a delicious aroma)
- 1 cube/teaspoon of smoked bacon concentrate
- 50 ml of ketchup made from tomatoes and red peppers
- 5-6 tablespoons of oil (olive oil is a healthy choice)
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (helps balance acidity)
- Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, 2 bay leaves (spices are essential for flavor)

Step 1: Preparing the beans
Start by washing the beans well, discarding any broken or damaged ones. Then, soak them in cold water overnight. This not only reduces cooking time but also aids in the digestion of the beans. After soaking, rinse the beans again and place them in a pot with 2 liters of cold water and a little salt. Boil over medium heat for about 45 minutes or until the beans become tender but do not break apart.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
While the beans are boiling, peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, parsnip, bell peppers, and tomatoes. These vegetables not only bring a delicious taste but also a vibrant color palette to your dish.

In a cast iron pot (or a deep skillet), heat the oil over medium heat. First, add the carrot, onion, and parsnip and sauté for about 5 minutes. Then, add the bell peppers and tomatoes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This is where the magic begins! Add the chopped spinach and herbs, ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, sugar, and the bacon concentrate.

All these flavors blend perfectly, and the dish will take on an appetizing appearance. Add 2 ladles of the bean broth and let everything simmer on low heat with a lid for 10 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to reveal their flavors.

Step 3: Finalizing the dish
Once the beans are cooked, drain them well and add them to the vegetable mixture. Let it simmer together for another 5-10 minutes. This is the stage where all the flavors come together, and the dish becomes truly savory.

Step 4: Preparing the bacon
Meanwhile, season the bacon slices with thyme, paprika, and pepper. Place them on a preheated grill and let them brown for about 15 minutes on each side. Finally, sprinkle a little salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Serving
Place a bed of bean stew on plates alongside the bacon slices. Garnish with fresh herbs and a few peppers for a vibrant appearance. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or freshly baked homemade bread.

Practical tips:
1. Choosing beans: Opt for white or red beans, depending on your preference. Red beans have a stronger taste, while white beans are more subtle.
2. Vegetarian option: You can replace the bacon with grilled or smoked mushrooms for a meat-free version that retains the smoky flavor.
3. Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or chili pepper, to adapt the recipe to your tastes.

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, beneficial for digestion and cardiovascular health. Smoked bacon adds a rich flavor, but it is recommended to consume it in moderation due to its higher fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beans? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt.
2. What can I serve alongside this recipe? A summer salad or mashed potatoes are excellent accompaniments.
3. Can it be frozen? Yes, even without bacon, the bean stew freezes very well and can be reheated later.

This bean stew with grilled bacon recipe is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that will make you feel at home, no matter where you are. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook together! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g beans, 4 slices of bacon (approximately 600 g), 2 onions, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 2 tomatoes, 2 bell peppers, 1 hot pepper, a few spinach leaves, 1 bunch of parsley, dill, and lovage, 1 cube/teaspoon smoked bacon concentrate, 50 ml tomato and red pepper ketchup, 5-6 tablespoons of oil, 2 teaspoons of sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, 2 bay leaves.