Beans with braided pork belly at Doubletta

Beans with braided pork belly - a traditional dish, rich in flavors and textures that will delight your senses. This recipe will not only provide you with a delicious lunch or dinner but also an unforgettable culinary experience that will remind you of family meals spent together around the table. Additionally, it is a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g dried white beans
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 carrot
- 1 slice of celery root
- 1 teaspoon mixed vegetable seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Hot pepper (to taste)
- Fresh celery leaves
- 300 g pork belly with skin
- 1 smoked sausage
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Oil for frying
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing the beans:
1. Boiling the beans: Start by washing the white beans. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 6-8 hours, or even overnight. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and achieve softer beans.
2. Boil the beans: In a large pot, put the beans in salted water and let them boil. It is important to change the water three times to eliminate substances that can cause digestive discomfort. If you use a Doubletta system, cooking will be considerably faster, so take advantage of this method.

Preparing the pork belly:
3. Removing the bones: Cut the pork belly into long strips, removing the bony parts. These strips will be braided in pairs and secured with toothpicks, creating a small culinary masterpiece.
4. Frying the pork: In a pan, add a little oil and fry the braided pork strips until golden and crispy. This step will add a wonderful texture and intense flavor to the dish.

Cleaning and preparing the vegetables:
5. Chopping the vegetables: Clean the onion, bell pepper, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cut them into small cubes so they cook evenly and integrate perfectly into the dish.
6. Cooking the vegetables: Place the vegetables in a steamer over the pot with boiling beans. This process will help preserve nutrients, and the flavors of the vegetables will combine with those of the beans.

Preparing the sauce:
7. Making the sauce: In a small pot, use the oil left in the pan where you fried the pork and sausage (cut lengthwise into 4 pieces). Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and the juice obtained from boiling the beans. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce becomes homogeneous.

Assembling the dish:
8. Combining the ingredients: After the beans are boiled (they should crush easily), remove the pieces of meat and bones. Add the sauce obtained into the pot with the beans and let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors intensify.

Serving the dish:
9. Rustic serving: Serve the beans in a clay dish or on a wooden plate. Arrange the braided pork belly beautifully around the plate and place the split sausage in the center. This rustic appearance will make the dish look not only tasty but also aesthetically pleasing.
10. Accompaniment: I recommend serving this dish with a glass of red wine and a plate of assorted pickles. The tangy taste of the pickles will contrast perfectly with the richness of the beans and meat.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as zucchini or cabbage, for an extra boost of vitamins and a different taste. You can also replace the pork belly with beef for an even heartier option.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Beans are an excellent ingredient for a healthy diet, contributing to a healthy digestive system and weight management.
- Frequently asked questions:
- "Can I use canned beans?" The answer is yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- "How can I make the dish spicier?" Add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes to the sauce.

In conclusion, beans with braided pork belly is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to a table full of flavors and cherished memories. Whether you choose to prepare it for a special occasion or for an ordinary dinner, this dish will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: dried white beans, one onion, half a red bell pepper, three cloves of garlic, one carrot, a slice of celery root, mixed vegetable seasoning, dried thyme, hot pepper, celery leaves, pork belly with skin, one smoked sausage, broth.