Hearty French White Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, such as Great Northern or Cannellini 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, such as Great Northern or Cannellini
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 6 ounces (170g) smoked bacon, diced 6 ounces (170g) smoked bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves) 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and bay leaves)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried white beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
2. 2.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
3. 3.
   In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
4. 4.
   Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same pot, brown the chicken thighs in the bacon fat until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
6. 6.
   Add the soaked and drained white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and bouquet garni to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Return the cooked bacon and chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated.
10. 10.
    Remove the pot from the oven and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the stew.
11. 11.
    Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and return the pot to the oven, uncovered. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Ensure to soak the beans overnight to soften them and reduce cooking time.
• Bouquet garni — Tie the fresh herbs together with kitchen twine for easy removal before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with red wine.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stew.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Hearty French White Bean Stew in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany it with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch.