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
| Nutritional Element | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (Calories) | 120 | 360 |
| Energy (Kilojoules) | 502 | 1506 |
| Fat | 4g | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 51g |
| Sugars | 3g | 9g |
| Protein | 6g | 18g |
| Salt | 0.3g | 0.9g |
