Vegan Bean Stew

Ingredients

In this vegan adaptation, the traditional meat-based ingredients like smoked meat and bacon are replaced with plant-based alternatives such as smoked tofu or tempeh. The stew is also enriched with a variety of vegetables to enhance the flavors and textures. Additionally, vegetable broth is used instead of meat broth to maintain the vegan integrity of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Čorbast pasulj, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 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 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 14g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive 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, celery, and bell peppers to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
6. 6.
   Add the soaked white beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the stew has thickened.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Vegan Bean Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Alternatively, you can use canned white beans and reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and add a few drops of liquid smoke to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or blend a portion of the stew before serving.
• Serve the Vegan Bean Stew with a side of crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegan Bean Stew hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of fluffy rice for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the stew and sprinkle some smoked paprika or chopped parsley for a pop of color.