Hearty Romanian Sausage and Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 sausages (such as smoked kielbasa or chorizo), sliced 4 sausages (such as smoked kielbasa or chorizo), sliced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried white beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced sausages to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked and drained white beans to the pot, along with the bay leaf, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
8. 8.
   Serve the Fasole cu cârnați 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. If you're short on time, you can also use canned white beans, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Sausages — Opt for smoked kielbasa or chorizo sausages to add a smoky flavor to the stew. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use any other type of sausage of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew while it simmers.
• Serve the Fasole cu cârnați with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Fasole cu cârnați as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or cornbread. It can also be enjoyed with a fresh green salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Present the Fasole cu cârnați in a deep bowl, allowing the stew to take center stage. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.