Fasoulia
Fasoulia Recipe - Authentic Kuwaiti Bean Dish
Introduction
Fasoulia is a traditional Greek dish made with dried giant white or fava beans, garlic, tomato paste, and oregano. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.
History
Fasoulia has been a staple in Greek cuisine for centuries. It is a simple and affordable dish that is often made in large batches and enjoyed by the whole family. The combination of beans, garlic, and tomato paste creates a rich and satisfying flavor that is hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups of dried giant white or fava beans
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 qt (946 ml) of water
- 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 heaping teaspoons of tomato paste
- 1.5 tsp of dried oregano
How to prepare
- Soak the beans overnight in 5 cups of water and baking soda.
- Drain the water and remove the shells if using fava beans.
- Add the beans, garlic, bay leaf, and tomato paste to one quart of water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add salt and oregano and simmer for another 30 minutes, until the beans are tender but not mushy.
- Remove the cover and increase the heat.
- Cook until the liquid is reduced to a thick tomato puree.
- Remove from heat.
- Best way to eat: Add lemon juice and fresh pepper to taste.
- May be served hot or cold.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and onion.
Variations
- Add diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a different twist.
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Removing the shells from fava beans can help improve the texture of the dish.
- Adding lemon juice and fresh pepper at the end of cooking can enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Garnishing with chopped parsley and onion adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Fasoulia can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or over rice. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.
Cooking Techniques
Simmering the beans slowly helps to develop the flavors and create a rich and thick sauce.
- Stirring occasionally prevents the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use canned beans instead of dried beans for a quicker cooking time.
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a lighter and fresher flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Fasoulia can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Fasoulia in a shallow bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or feta cheese.
Pairing Recommendations
Fasoulia pairs well with a crisp Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or grilled vegetables. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Fasoulia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Fasoulia contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Fasoulia contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Fasoulia contains approximately 1 gram of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Fasoulia contains approximately 10 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Fasoulia is a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.
Alergens
Fasoulia is a vegetarian dish and does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Fasoulia is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for a meatless meal.
Summary
Fasoulia is a classic Greek dish that is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious. It is a simple and affordable dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy this delicious bean stew with your family and friends!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fasoulia. It was given to me by an old friend who had learned it from her grandmother, who in turn had learned it from her own mother. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.
I had always been fascinated by different cuisines and cooking techniques, so when my friend handed me the recipe for Fasoulia, I couldn't wait to try it out. The ingredients were simple and wholesome - green beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few spices. But it was the way they were combined and cooked together that made this dish truly special.
I set to work in my kitchen, chopping onions and garlic, sautéing them in olive oil until they were fragrant. Then I added the green beans, fresh from the market, and let them cook until they were tender. The tomatoes came next, along with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity.
As the Fasoulia simmered on the stove, filling my kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother. She had been the one to teach me how to cook, how to season dishes just right, and how to love the act of creating something delicious from scratch.
I remembered the way she would hum a tune as she stirred a pot on the stove, her hands moving with a practiced ease that only comes from years of experience. She never measured anything, relying instead on her intuition and her senses to guide her in the kitchen. And somehow, everything she made turned out perfectly every time.
As I stirred the Fasoulia on the stove, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and all the women who had come before me. I felt their presence in my kitchen, guiding my hands and my heart as I cooked this dish that had been passed down through generations.
When the Fasoulia was finally ready, I scooped it into a bowl and took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue - the sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthiness of the green beans, the warmth of the spices. It was a dish that was simple yet complex, comforting yet exciting.
I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to pass on the recipe that had been given to me with such love and care. And as I sat down to enjoy my first bowl of Fasoulia, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the women who had come before me, who had taught me to cook with love and passion, and who had shared their recipes with me so freely.
I knew that this recipe for Fasoulia would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make time and time again, always with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the women who had taught me how to cook with love.