Ceci in Umido with a Northern Twist

Ingredients

In this Schleswig-Holstein adaptation, we incorporate smoked bacon and aromatic herbs to add a unique flavor profile to the traditional Ceci in Umido. Additionally, the dish is typically served with boiled potatoes or crusty bread, which is a departure from the Italian tradition of serving it with pasta. We alse have the original recipe for Ceci in umido, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried chickpeas 2 cups (400g) dried chickpeas
• 4 slices smoked bacon, diced 4 slices smoked bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the soaked chickpeas, bay leaves, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpeas — Soaking the dried chickpeas overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you're short on time, you can also use canned chickpeas, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Smoked bacon — Look for a good quality smoked bacon to add a rich smoky flavor to the stew. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar smoky taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked chickpeas with a fork or blend a portion of the stew before serving.
• Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist to the broth.
• Customize the flavors by adding other herbs such as rosemary or marjoram.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Serving advice

Serve the Schleswig-Holstein Style Stewed Chickpeas in bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or boiled potatoes. The bread or potatoes can be used to soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in rustic bowls or traditional German ceramic dishes to enhance the presentation and evoke the essence of Schleswig-Holstein cuisine.