Anhui-style Fagiolata

Ingredients

In this Anhui-style adaptation of Fagiolata, we incorporate Anhui cuisine's characteristic spices and aromatics to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. The original Italian recipe is transformed by using Anhui spices such as star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chili peppers, which add a subtle heat and complexity to the stew. Additionally, we incorporate traditional Anhui ingredients like fermented black beans and Shaoxing wine to enhance the flavors and create a fusion of Italian and Anhui cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Fagiolata, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fermented black beans 1 tablespoon fermented black beans
• 1 teaspoon star anise powder 1 teaspoon star anise powder
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 dried chili peppers 2 dried chili peppers
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the fermented black beans, star anise powder, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chili peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked white beans to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the Shaoxing wine and season with salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Anhui-style Fagiolata hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fermented black beans — Rinse the fermented black beans before using to remove excess salt. They add a unique umami flavor to the dish.
• Star anise powder — If you can't find star anise powder, you can grind whole star anise in a spice grinder or use Chinese five-spice powder as a substitute.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes to enhance their aroma before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of dried chili peppers or add a pinch of ground Sichuan peppercorns.
• Serve the Anhui-style Fagiolata with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Customize the stew by adding vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or leafy greens for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make a larger batch of the stew and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
• Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to add variety to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Anhui-style Fagiolata in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional star anise powder on top of the stew and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve the stew in rustic ceramic bowls for an authentic touch.