North Macedonian White Bean Stew Recipe

North Macedonian White Bean Stew

Step into the heart of the Balkans with a tantalizing dish that captures the flavors of North Macedonian cuisine. This White Bean Stew embraces the region’s culinary essence with a blend of rich tomatoes, the aromatic warmth of paprika, and the subtle sweetness of red bell peppers. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this dish is a harmonious symphony of tastes that celebrates the vibrant palette of North Macedonian cuisine, perfect for a comforting dinner for two.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 45 minutes, Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 200 grams of white beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 15 grams of paprika
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 500 ml of water

Method

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
• Stir in the red bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the peppers have softened.
• Add the paprika, and mix well to coat the vegetables.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
• Add the soaked white beans, bay leaves, oregano, and 500 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
• Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh oregano or parsley, if desired.

Tips

• Ensure the white beans are soaked well overnight to ensure perfect tenderness in the stew.
• For a thicker stew, mash a few beans with a spoon before serving.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste for a perfect flavor balance.

Nutritional Information