Beans with dill
Dill Bean: Traditional Romanian Recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Dill bean is a traditional Romanian dish that brings together sincere flavors and simple ingredients, lovingly prepared in the kitchens of the Moldova region. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with plant-based proteins and vitamins, making it ideal for a healthy meal. Here’s how you can easily prepare it, step by step.
Ingredients
- 500 g white beans (preferably large, easy to cook)
- 2 smoked sausages (you can opt for homemade sausages for an authentic taste)
- 300 g smoked pork belly (can be replaced with bacon for a more intense flavor)
- 1 carrot (about 150 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 small zucchini (about 200 g)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- A bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (optional but recommended for flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil)
Step 1: Preparing the beans
The night before preparing the dish, soak the beans in a bowl of water. This step is essential as it helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the beans. Make sure the water covers the beans well, as they will absorb a lot of liquid.
Step 2: Boiling the beans
On the morning of cooking, drain the beans and rinse them under cold running water. Place the beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then change the water to eliminate any impurities. Add fresh water again and let it simmer on low heat until the beans become soft, about 45 minutes.
Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the grated carrot and diced zucchini. Let them sauté together for 5-7 minutes. This combination of vegetables will add sweetness and depth to your dish.
Step 4: Adding the sausages and pork belly
In another skillet, add the sausages and pork belly cut into cubes. Fry them until golden and crispy, then add them to the pot with the beans. Mix well to integrate the flavors.
Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beans, along with the diced bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let the dish simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s important to give the flavors time to combine.
Step 6: Finalizing the dish
When the beans are nearly done, add the tomato paste and finely chopped dill. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the tomato paste is well incorporated. The fresh dill will add a vibrant taste and pleasant aroma, characteristic of this traditional dish.
Serving
Dill beans are served warm, alongside pickles or pickled peppers, which provide a pleasant contrast to the dish. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. This recipe can be enjoyed with a slice of fresh homemade bread, which will perfectly complete the meal.
Useful tips
- Vegetarian option: You can omit the sausages and pork belly, replacing them with sautéed mushrooms for a lighter yet equally tasty version.
- Beans: You can use canned beans to reduce cooking time. In this case, add the beans to the pot only at the end, to heat them through.
- Spices: Add a bay leaf during boiling for extra flavor.
- Dill: If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but the flavor will be different. It is recommended to use fresh dill for optimal taste.
Calories and nutritional benefits
This recipe offers approximately 450-500 calories per serving, being rich in proteins, fibers, and vitamins. Beans are an excellent source of iron and antioxidants, and the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is it important to soak the beans? Soaking the beans helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Can I use another type of bean? Yes, you can try other types of beans, like red or black beans, but the cooking time may vary.
- What other side dishes go well with dill beans? They pair well with a fresh summer salad or a steaming polenta, which adds a delicious contrast.
In conclusion, dill beans are a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings together healthy ingredients and culinary traditions. Experiment with the ingredients and find the combination you like best! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500 g white beans, 2 smoked sausages, 300 g bacon, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, dill, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of broth, 4 tablespoons of oil
