Bosnian White Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried white beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to combine.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked white beans, smoked paprika, ground cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together.
5. 5.
   Pour enough water into the pot to cover the beans by about an inch.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves from the stew before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can increase the amount of smoked paprika.
• Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Bosnian White Bean Stew hot in individual bowls. It pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top, which adds a creamy element to the dish. Accompany it with a side of freshly baked bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of the stew with a sprig of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or clay pots to showcase the traditional Bosnian roots of the dish.