Hearty Istrian Jota Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) sauerkraut 2 cups (470ml) sauerkraut
• 1 cup (200g) dried beans, soaked overnight 1 cup (200g) dried beans, soaked overnight
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable or meat broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable or meat broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the sauerkraut, diced potatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable or meat broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans and potatoes are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add the crispy bacon back into the stew for added flavor.
6. 6.
   Serve the Istrian Jota stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sauerkraut — Rinse the sauerkraut under cold water before using to reduce its sourness if desired.
• Dried beans — Soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
• Smoked meats — Experiment with different types of smoked meats, such as smoked sausage or ham, to add variety to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked beans and potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the stew.
• Serve the Istrian Jota stew with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Istrian Jota stew as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread. It is best enjoyed hot, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Presentation advice

Present the Istrian Jota stew in rustic bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. The vibrant colors of the sauerkraut, beans, and potatoes will make for an appetizing presentation.