German-style Pear, Bean, and Bacon Stew

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bacon, chopped (120g) 4 slices of bacon, chopped (120g)
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced 2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed (400g each) 2 cans of white beans, drained and rinsed (400g each)
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. 3.
   Add the diced pears, drained white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and dried thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the stew slightly.
6. 6.
   Serve the Pear, Bean, and Bacon Stew hot, garnished with the crispy bacon.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Choose a high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor. Crisp the bacon well to add a crunchy texture to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a more substantial meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or celery to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to further develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Pear, Bean, and Bacon Stew in deep bowls, garnished with the crispy bacon. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of cooked rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves over the stew before serving. The vibrant green color of the thyme will add a pop of freshness to the dish.