Galician-Style Bela Maneštra

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Croatian Bela Maneštra is transformed into a Galician-style stew by incorporating Galician flavors and ingredients. The original recipe is enhanced with the addition of smoked paprika, which adds a distinct smoky flavor to the dish. The use of bell peppers, a staple in Galician cuisine, brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the stew. The creamy texture is achieved by blending a portion of the cooked beans, giving the Galician-Style Bela Maneštra a velvety consistency that sets it apart from the original Croatian version. We alse have the original recipe for Bela maneštra, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) white beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 6g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, smoked paprika, and bay leaves to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked white beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Take half of the cooked beans and blend them until smooth. Return the blended beans to the pot and stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Galician-Style Bela Maneštra hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• White beans — Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. If you're short on time, you can also use canned white beans, rinsed and drained, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the Galician-Style Bela Maneštra with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Customize the stew by adding other vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a chunkier stew, skip blending a portion of the beans and leave them whole.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Galician-Style Bela Maneštra as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread and a fresh green salad. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Galician-Style Bela Maneštra with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or a large serving dish, allowing the creamy stew to take center stage. Pair it with rustic tableware to enhance the cozy and comforting feel of the dish.