Iahnie with a Southern Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate elements of Atlanta cuisine to give the traditional Romanian Iahnie a unique twist. We add smoky bacon to enhance the flavor profile and infuse the dish with a touch of Southern charm. Additionally, we incorporate a hint of sweetness to balance the richness of the sauce, which is a characteristic feature of Atlanta cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Iahnie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 4 slices bacon, diced 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried white beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked white beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cooked bacon to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture 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 sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Serve the Southern-Style Iahnie hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a smoky flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
• Serve the Southern-Style Iahnie with a side of cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern-Style Iahnie as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or cornbread. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Southern-Style Iahnie with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic bowl or on a plate, allowing the rich sauce to envelop the beans.