Quick Bean Stew

Croatian Bean Stew Recipe with Sausage | Easy & Healthy Meal

Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20-30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Bean stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This quick and easy recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

History

Bean stew has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that have been used in cooking for thousands of years. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic dish, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

2 cans of Cannellini (white) beans
3-4 tbsp of corn oil
2 cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped or a tin of canned tomatoes
5 shallots, sliced (or sliced onions)
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
Some parsley
Half a kilogram (1 lb or 454 g) of spicy sausage, either smoked or cooked (chorizo or kabanos will do)

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they become tender. Take a pot and transfer the beans along with the vegetables into it. Place the sausages inside and cook for an additional 20 minutes over low heat. Alternatively, you can bake it in an oven at a temperature of 180°C/350°F for 30 minutes. This dish tastes even better when reheated the following day.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the chorizo and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.
For a spicier stew, add a diced jalapeno pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are tender to bring out their flavors.

- Cooking the stew low and slow will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and delicious dish.

- This stew can be easily reheated the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

This bean stew is delicious on its own, but can also be served over rice or with a side of crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the stew will help to develop their flavors.

- Cooking the stew low and slow will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chorizo, you can use any type of sausage or even bacon.

- You can use any type of beans in this recipe, such as kidney beans or black beans.

Make Ahead Tips

This bean stew can be made ahead of time and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this bean stew in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This bean stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this bean stew contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this bean stew contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this bean stew contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this bean stew contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This bean stew is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains onions and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This bean stew is a nutritious and filling dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy option for any meal.

Summary

This quick bean stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is a healthy option for any meal. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful stew with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it happened many years ago. It was during my summer vacation in the countryside, visiting my dear friend Martha. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

One afternoon, while Martha and I were sipping on some sweet tea and catching up on old times, she suddenly remembered a recipe she had been meaning to share with me. She rummaged through an old recipe book that had been passed down through her family for generations, and finally pulled out a worn and tattered page with the title "Quick Bean Stew."

As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt my mouth water in anticipation. The combination of beans, vegetables, and savory spices sounded like a comforting and hearty dish that would be perfect for a cozy family dinner. Martha explained that this recipe had been a staple in her family for as long as she could remember, and she had learned to make it from her grandmother when she was just a young girl.

I was eager to try my hand at making this Quick Bean Stew, so Martha graciously guided me through the steps. We started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, filling the kitchen with the warm and inviting aroma of cooking vegetables. Next, we added in a colorful assortment of bell peppers, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and release their flavors.

The star of the dish, of course, was the beans. Martha had soaked a variety of beans overnight, and we added them to the pot along with a generous amount of vegetable broth. As the stew simmered on the stove, the beans gradually softened and absorbed the rich flavors of the vegetables and spices.

I remember feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as I stirred the pot, watching the ingredients come together to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Martha smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia as she recounted the countless times she had made this stew for her own family.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Quick Bean Stew and was instantly transported back to my childhood. The flavors were familiar and comforting, like a warm hug from a loved one. I couldn't believe how simple and easy it was to make such a satisfying dish, and I knew that this recipe would become a beloved favorite in my own home.

Since that day, I have made Martha's Quick Bean Stew countless times for my family and friends. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that special summer afternoon spent learning a treasured family recipe from a dear friend. I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through generations, and I take pride in continuing the legacy of home-cooked meals that bring people together.

So, whenever I make a pot of Quick Bean Stew, I am not just cooking a meal. I am preserving a piece of history and sharing a taste of tradition with those I love. And for that, I will always be grateful to Martha for sharing her special recipe with me.