Spanish Beans Recipe
Recipe for Spanish Beans:
Spanish Beans, also known as "Fabada Asturiana" in Spain, is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and flavorful dish originated in the northern region of Spain called Asturias. It is a beloved staple in Spanish cuisine and is often enjoyed during colder months due to its warming and comforting qualities.
Fun fact: Asturias is famous for its diverse agriculture and abundant bean crops, making it the perfect region for creating bean-based dishes like Spanish Beans.
To make this delicious and authentic Spanish Beans dish, follow these steps:
Step 1: Soak the beans
- Begin by soaking two cups of beans overnight. This process helps to soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
Step 2: Prepare the beans
- After soaking the beans, drain them and transfer them to a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans entirely.
- Bring the water to a boil and let the beans cook until the skin cracks. This typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the variety of beans used. Be sure to check the beans periodically to ensure they do not overcook.
Step 3: Prepare the flavor base
- While the beans are cooking, finely chop one onion and two cloves of garlic.
- In a separate pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté them until they become a light brown color. This process will release their flavors and aromas, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Step 4: Add the seasoning
- Once the onion and garlic are sautéed, add half a can of tomatoes to the pan. You can either use canned chopped tomatoes or fresh tomatoes that have been pureed.
- Dissolve one teaspoon of chili powder in a little cold water before adding it to the pan. This step allows the chili powder to evenly distribute throughout the dish.
- Season with salt to taste and add half a dozen chopped olives. The olives add a unique and salty flavor to the beans.
Step 5: Enhance the flavor (optional)
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a piece of smoked beef or smoked tongue to the beans. This ingredient is traditional in Spanish Beans and gives the dish a rich and smoky taste. Simply add the smoked meat to the pot along with the beans and let them cook together.
Step 6: Simmer and serve
- Once all the ingredients are combined, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for an additional 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious and hearty bean stew.
- Serve your Spanish Beans hot, preferably with crusty bread or a side of rice. The beans can also be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
Similar Spanish Bean dishes:
1. Fabada Asturiana: This is the traditional and most famous version of Spanish Beans. It is made with large white beans, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and shoulder cut of pork. It is a substantial and robust dish that showcases the flavors of Asturias.
2. JudÃas Blancas: This is a variation of Spanish Beans made with white beans, green beans, and potatoes. It is a lighter and fresher version of the dish, perfect for warmer months or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.
3. Potaje de Vigilia: This is a traditional Spanish bean stew often enjoyed during Lent. It is made with chickpeas, lentils, and white beans, along with vegetables like spinach and cod fish. It is a hearty and nutritious dish that is full of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Spanish Beans and experience the rich and comforting flavors of Spanish cuisine!
Vote