North Macedonian White Bean Stew Recipe

North Macedonian White Bean Stew Recipe

Dive into the rich and soulful flavors of the Balkan region with this North Macedonian White Bean Stew. This dish embodies the warmth and heart of Macedonian cuisine, combining the creamy texture of white beans with the aromatic blend of spices and herbs. Perfect for a cozy evening, this stew will envelop you with its comforting and hearty taste, a true Balkan delight for omnivores!

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 20 minutes, Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 200g white beans
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 15g paprika
• 30g tomato paste
• 30ml olive oil
• 5g salt
• 3g black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 500ml water
• 5g thyme
• 5g oregano
• 10ml red wine vinegar

Method

• Soak the white beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse them before use.
• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, cook for another 5 minutes until the bell pepper is soft.
• Stir in paprika and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste is rich and aromatic.
• Add the soaked beans, water, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 35 minutes or until the beans are tender.
• Stir in thyme, oregano, and red wine vinegar. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
• Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve the stew hot with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley.

Tips

– For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of red wine while the stew is simmering.
– This dish pairs beautifully with a crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy white rice.
– For an additional Balkan touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.

Nutritional Information