White Bean With Kale And Chorizo

Spanish White Bean Kale and Chorizo Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

White Bean with Kale and Chorizo is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of white beans with the smoky and spicy flavors of Spanish chorizo. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

History

This recipe has its roots in Spanish cuisine, where chorizo is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of white beans and kale adds a healthy twist to this traditional recipe, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) of dried white beans
8.5 cups of chicken stock
1 bay leaf
a pinch of saffron threads
2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
0.75 lb (340 g) of Spanish chorizo sausage, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 tbsp of sweet paprika
0.75 lb (340 g) of kale, stemmed and chopped coarsely
freshly ground black pepper
sherry vinegar to taste

How to prepare

Place the beans in a large pot and pour in 8 cups of chicken stock. Bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and add a bay leaf and a pinch of salt.
Cook the beans partially covered, stirring often and adjusting the heat to maintain a slow, steady simmer. Cook until the beans are tender, which should take approximately 2 hours.
Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Soak the saffron in the remaining 0.5 cup of chicken stock.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chorizo and cook, stirring often, until it is lightly browned. This should take about 5 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook until it is softened. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the red pepper and paprika, and cook for 2 minutes.
Transfer the contents of the skillet to the pot with the beans.
Stir in the saffron along with the soaking liquid, the cooked chorizo, and the kale.
Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook just until the kale is wilted.
Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the vinegar.
Serve the dish hot.

Variations

Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of chorizo for a lighter option.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the saffron in chicken stock to fully extract its flavor.

- Adjust the heat to maintain a slow simmer when cooking the beans to ensure they are tender.

- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate to remove excess grease.

- Season the dish with sherry vinegar to add a tangy kick to the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve White Bean with Kale and Chorizo with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the beans slowly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.

- Sauté the chorizo until lightly browned to enhance its flavor.

- Wilt the kale just until it is tender to retain its bright green color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cannellini beans or navy beans instead of white beans.

- Substitute Spanish chorizo with Mexican chorizo for a spicier kick.

- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve White Bean with Kale and Chorizo in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of Spanish red wine or a light-bodied beer to complement the flavors of the chorizo and beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of White Bean with Kale and Chorizo contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of White Bean with Kale and Chorizo contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of White Bean with Kale and Chorizo contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the chorizo. It may also contain dairy if cheese is added as a garnish.

Summary

White Bean with Kale and Chorizo is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

White Bean with Kale and Chorizo is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of Spanish chorizo with hearty white beans and nutritious kale. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet hearty dish, perfect for a cold winter's night. The combination of creamy white beans, earthy kale, and spicy chorizo seemed like a match made in heaven. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first came across the recipe for White Bean With Kale And Chorizo while flipping through an old cookbook at a friend's house. The recipe was handwritten on a faded piece of paper, tucked away in between the pages. I asked my friend where she had gotten the recipe from, and she told me it was passed down from her grandmother.

Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She agreed, and we spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, cooking up a delicious batch of White Bean With Kale And Chorizo. As we chopped, stirred, and simmered, my friend told me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that her grandmother had learned to make the dish from a Spanish friend many years ago. The friend had taught her the traditional way of preparing the dish, using simple ingredients and cooking techniques that highlighted the flavors of the beans, kale, and chorizo.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The creamy beans, tender kale, and spicy chorizo all melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the White Bean With Kale And Chorizo recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my tastes. I experimented with different types of beans, added extra spices for a bit of heat, and even tried using different types of sausage in place of chorizo.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the original recipe always held a special place in my heart. There was something about the simplicity of the dish that reminded me of the joy of cooking, of sharing a meal with loved ones, and of the stories behind each recipe.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, sharing the story of how I learned to make White Bean With Kale And Chorizo. I hoped that they would find as much joy and comfort in cooking the dish as I did.

And now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of creamy white beans, tender kale, and spicy chorizo, I can't help but smile. The recipe may have come from a friend's grandmother many years ago, but it has become a part of my own family's story, a tradition that will be passed down for generations to come. And for that, I am grateful.