Bean stew (vegan)

Bean stew – a delightful fasting dish

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes, where fasting food becomes a true feast for the senses! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for bean stew, a traditional, simple, yet extremely tasty dish that will delight your taste buds. This recipe has its roots in Romanian cuisine, often prepared by mothers and grandmothers to bring warm family memories and unforgettable moments to our tables.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 500 g white beans
- 2 onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 quarter of celery
- 2-3 tablespoons of bell pepper paste (or fresh peppers)
- Salt (carefully, especially if using pepper paste)
- Thyme (to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 5-6 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Oil for sautéing (about 2-3 tablespoons)

Preparing the beans

1. Rinse the white beans well under cold running water. It is very important to clean them of impurities and let them hydrate. Place the beans in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours (or even overnight, to speed up the cooking process). This step not only reduces cooking time but also aids in the digestion of the beans.

2. After the beans have soaked, drain the water and rinse them again. They are now ready to be boiled.

3. In a large pot, add the beans and cover them with fresh water. Add a teaspoon of salt and a bay leaf. Let the beans boil over medium heat, and when they start to boil, change the water to eliminate any substances that may cause digestive discomfort.

Starting the flavors

4. While the beans are boiling, prepare the vegetables. Cut one onion into quarters, the carrots into rounds, and the celery into large cubes. These vegetables will add a special flavor to your stew.

5. When the beans are almost cooked (about 30-40 minutes), add the chopped vegetables and another bay leaf. Let everything boil together until the beans are well cooked and the vegetables are soft.

Preparing the savory sauce

6. In a separate pan, add a little oil and sauté the other onion, chopped into small pieces. When the onion becomes translucent, add the finely chopped carrot and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.

7. Add the bell pepper paste and mix well. If you prefer a fresher taste, you can use fresh peppers, but be careful to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

8. After the vegetables have been sautéed, add water from the beans (about 1-2 cups), stirring constantly. Let everything boil for 5-10 minutes until a flavorful sauce forms.

Finalizing the dish

9. Once the beans and vegetables are well cooked, drain the beans (do not throw away the water) and add them to the pan. Gently stir, then pour in fresh water to cover the ingredients. Add thyme to taste and let it boil so the flavors can blend.

10. In a small bowl, mix the flour with the tomato paste, forming a homogeneous sauce. Add this sauce to the pan in a thin stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.

11. Finally, taste and add salt to your preference. Let the stew boil for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors, then remove it from the heat.

Useful tips

- If you want to add a smoky flavor, you can include a few slices of smoked sausage during cooking.
- Bean stew pairs perfectly with warm polenta or a slice of homemade bread.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as peppers or potatoes, to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional benefits

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them an essential food in vegetarian and vegan diets. They are low in fat and high in antioxidants, helping to maintain heart health and control blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use to remove excess salt and preservatives.

- How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a little hot pepper or chili flakes to the vegetable sauce.

- Can I freeze the bean stew?
Of course! Bean stew freezes excellently and can be easily reheated.

Conclusion

Bean stew is more than just a simple fasting recipe; it is a connection to culinary traditions, a way to bring family together at the table, and an opportunity to enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal. So head to the kitchen, gather the ingredients, and prepare this delicacy with love. Maybe your mother's recipe will become yours too, enriching your meals with unforgettable flavors!

 Ingredients: 500g white beans 2 onions 3 carrots 1 quarter of celery bell pepper paste salt (carefully, if using bell pepper paste) thyme 2 bay leaves 3 tbsp flour 5-6 tbsp broth oil for sautéing

 Tags:  bean stew