Bean stew
Bean stew is a traditional dish, full of flavor and warmth, reminiscent of the bountiful meals of childhood. This recipe for bean stew with pork and veal is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it perfect for cooler days or for gathering the family around the table. I will provide you with all the necessary details and some tricks to achieve a perfect result. Let's get to work!
Bean stew with meat
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2-3 pork feet
- 500 g dried beans
- 200 g bacon
- 1 piece of smoked sausage
- 1 large onion
- 6-7 garlic cloves
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley (leaves and stems)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tomato
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Bay leaves
- Piri-piri (chili)
- Pepper paste
- Tomato paste
- Tomato juice
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
To have a tasty bean stew, it's important to prepare the ingredients in advance. Start by soaking the beans in cold water the night before. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and improve the texture of the beans. Also, clean the pork feet and place them in the fridge, sprinkled with salt, to enhance their flavor.
Step 2: Boiling the meat
In a large pot, add the pork feet and veal to boil. I prefer to use a pressure cooker, as it significantly reduces cooking time. Boil them for 30-40 minutes, adding water, salt, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a quarter of an onion for flavor. In another pot, put the beans to boil. This will take about an hour until they become soft, but don't forget to check them from time to time!
Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
While the meat is boiling, you can prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, dice the carrots, and cut the parsley and bell pepper into small pieces. Crush the garlic to release its aroma. Dice the tomatoes, and cut the bacon into small pieces. Slice the sausages.
Step 4: Cooking the vegetables
In a large saucepan, add a little olive oil and sauté the onion along with the garlic for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the bacon and let it cook slightly, then add the carrots, bell pepper, and sausages. Cook everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Combining the ingredients
After the vegetables have softened, add the pepper paste, tomato paste, and tomato juice. Let it boil for 5-7 minutes, then pour in the water from the meat boiling, enough to cover the mixture. Let it boil for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Adding the beans and meat
After the beans have boiled, drain them well and add them to the pot with the vegetables. Cut the boiled meat into smaller pieces and add that as well. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients and let it simmer together for 30 minutes. During this time, the beans will absorb the flavors from the sauce, and the meat will become even more tender.
Step 7: Finalizing the dish
In the last minutes of cooking, add the crushed garlic and let it simmer for another 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste the dish and adjust with salt, pepper, and chili to your liking.
Serving
Bean stew is served hot, ideally alongside fresh bread or polenta. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley and, for an extra flavor boost, add a few drops of olive oil on top. It is delicious the next day as well, when the flavors have had time to meld.
Practical tips
- Beans: Choose high-quality beans, and for a more digestible option, you can change the water during boiling.
- Meat: Pork feet add a rich flavor, but you can also use other types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
Nutritional benefits
Bean stew is rich in protein and fiber, making it ideal for a healthy diet. Beans contribute to digestive health, while vegetables provide essential vitamins to the body.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned beans?
- Yes, but it's recommended to rinse them well to remove excess salt.
2. Can bean stew be frozen?
- Absolutely! It stores very well in the freezer and is an excellent option for quick meals.
3. What drinks pair well with bean stew?
- A light beer or a dry red wine pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.
Variations
To add a personal twist to your recipe, you can try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. Additionally, you can turn bean stew into a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and adding mushrooms or tofu.
Here you have all the information you need to prepare a delicious bean stew! I encourage you to enjoy every step of the process and experiment with the ingredients to create a recipe that becomes your favorite. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 2-3 pork feet, veal breast, 200 g bacon, 1 piece of smoked meat, 1 large onion, garlic, 2 carrots, 1 parsley, 1 bell pepper, 1 tomato, olive oil, salt, pepper, bay leaf, piri-piri (chili), pepper paste, tomato paste, tomato juice, 500 g dried beans
