Mordovian-style White Cacholeira

Ingredients

In this Mordovian adaptation of Cacholeira branca de Portalegre, we incorporate Mordovian spices and flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The original Portuguese dish typically uses traditional Portuguese spices and ingredients, while our Mordovian-style White Cacholeira incorporates Mordovian spices and local vegetables to create a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Cacholeira branca de Portalegre, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) white beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 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): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 56g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, coriander, and bay leaf, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
6. 6.
   Add the soaked white beans to the pot and pour enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• White beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the Mordovian-style White Cacholeira with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini or green beans, to enhance the dish's nutritional value.

Serving advice

Serve the Mordovian-style White Cacholeira hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each serving and sprinkle some paprika for a pop of color. Serve the dish in rustic ceramic bowls for an authentic touch.