Sousboontjies

Sousboontjies Recipe - A Vegetarian Delight from South Africa

Region / culture: South Africa | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: at least 2 hours | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sousboontjies, also known as sugar beans, is a traditional South African dish that is simple yet delicious. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many households.

History

Sousboontjies has its roots in South African cuisine, where beans have been a dietary staple for centuries. The dish is often served as a side dish or main course and is loved for its hearty and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup of dried sugar beans
water
1 tbsp of cornflour (to thicken sauce)
1 tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp of vinegar
0.5 tsp of salt
white pepper to taste

Optional flavourings

0.5 chili
1 laurel leaf
pinch of ground cloves

How to prepare

Sort through the beans to remove any discolored or damaged beans and small pebbles.
Rinse the beans and soak them overnight in water.
Drain the beans and rinse them well.
In a saucepan, cover the beans with water and simmer them slowly until they are soft.
This process will take at least 2 hours, but it might take longer.
If necessary, add more boiling water to keep the beans moist.
To thicken the sauce, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornflour with a little water to form a smooth paste, then stir it into the beans. Alternatively, mash some of the cooked beans and stir them in.
Add vinegar, sugar, and salt to the beans and simmer for another 10 minutes.
The dish can be served warm or bottled for future use.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer sauce.
Include chopped onions and garlic for added flavor.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or curry powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.

- Be patient when simmering the beans, as they need time to soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more sugar, vinegar, or spices as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Sousboontjies can be served as a side dish with grilled meat or as a main course with rice or bread.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the beans slowly allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned beans instead of dried beans for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute white sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Sousboontjies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sousboontjies in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Sousboontjies pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb chops, or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover sousboontjies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of sousboontjies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of sousboontjies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of sousboontjies contains minimal fat, making it a healthy and nutritious dish.

Proteins

One serving of sousboontjies provides a good source of plant-based protein, with approximately 10 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Sousboontjies are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and folate.

Alergens

Sousboontjies are free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Sousboontjies are a nutritious and filling dish that is low in fat and high in protein and carbohydrates.

Summary

Sousboontjies is a classic South African dish that is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Sousboontjies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in South Africa. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had passed down many recipes to me, but this one was new to my ears.

I was walking through the village market one sunny afternoon, when I overheard two women talking about a delicious dish called Sousboontjies. Intrigued, I approached them and asked them to share the recipe with me. They smiled and explained that it was a traditional South African dish made with butter beans, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Eager to learn more, I asked them if they would teach me how to make it. They agreed, and we spent the afternoon cooking together in one of their homes. As the aroma of the simmering beans filled the air, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

The women shared with me the secrets of making the perfect Sousboontjies – from choosing the freshest ingredients to the precise measurements of spices needed to create the perfect balance of flavors. I watched intently as they stirred the pot, tasting and adjusting the seasoning until it was just right.

I was mesmerized by their skill and passion for cooking, and I knew that I wanted to learn as much as I could from them. They welcomed me into their kitchen with open arms, and over the next few weeks, I absorbed everything they had to teach me about South African cuisine.

As I honed my cooking skills, I began to experiment with the Sousboontjies recipe, adding my own twist to it. I tried different combinations of spices, swapped out ingredients, and played with cooking techniques until I had created a version that was uniquely my own.

Over the years, I continued to refine my recipe for Sousboontjies, drawing inspiration from the many people and places I encountered on my culinary journey. I learned new techniques from chefs in fancy restaurants, picked up tips from street vendors selling their wares, and even gleaned insights from my own family members who had their own take on the dish.

But no matter how much I tweaked the recipe, the heart of it remained the same – a humble dish that celebrated the flavors and traditions of my homeland. Each time I cooked Sousboontjies, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in the village market, where I first discovered the magic of this simple yet delicious dish.

As I grew older and passed on my knowledge to the next generation, I realized that the true beauty of cooking lies not just in the food itself, but in the stories and memories that accompany each dish. And for me, Sousboontjies will always be a reminder of the joy and wonder of discovering something new and delicious in the most unexpected of places.