Savory Basque Bean Delight 🌶️ | Hearty Spanish Bean Stew 🍲

Basque Beans Recipe 🍲

Overview:

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
• Servings: Varies
• Cuisine: Spanish, European
• Category: Onions, Peppers, Beans, Vegetable
• Diet: Low Cholesterol, Healthy
• Method: Oven, Crock Pot
• Keywords: Weeknight, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry white beans
• 1/4 cup navy beans
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Beans:

1. Soak Beans Overnight:

   • Rinse the dry white beans and navy beans thoroughly.
   • Place them in a large bowl and cover with enough water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

2. Cook Beans Until Tender:

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   • Drain the soaked beans and rinse them again.
   • In a pot, cover the beans with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
   • Cook the beans until they are nearly tender. This usually takes about 1 ½ hours on the stovetop or 30 minutes in a pressure cooker.
   • Once done, drain the beans and set them aside. This step can be done a day ahead of time for convenience.

Making the Basque Beans:

3. Prepare the Base:

   • In a large casserole or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add Aromatic Flavors:

   • Now, add the diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme to the pot.
   • Mix everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.

5. Combine Beans and Base:

   • Gently fold in the cooked white beans and navy beans, ensuring they are well coated with the aromatic mixture.
   • Pour in about 1 cup of water to create a flavorful broth for the beans.

6. Cooking on Stovetop or in Oven:

   • Cover the casserole with a lid and let the beans simmer over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated 340°F (170°C) oven.
   • Allow the beans to cook for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Adding the Final Touches:

   • Once the beans are almost done, stir in the diced green pepper.
   • Continue cooking, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the peppers soften.
   • Season the Basque beans with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Crock Pot Version:

8. Preparing in a Crock Pot:

   • Follow steps 1 and 2 to soak and partially cook the beans.

9. Combine All Ingredients:

   • In your slow cooker, combine the partially cooked beans with all the remaining ingredients.
   • This includes the sautéed onion-garlic-tomato mixture, fresh parsley, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and diced green pepper.

10. Slow Cooking:

    • Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 10-12 hours.
    • This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in tender, flavorful Basque beans.

11. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Once the Basque beans are done, remove the bay leaf.
    • Serve the beans hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
    • They can be enjoyed on their own as a hearty meal or served as a side dish with crusty bread or over rice.

Tips and Notes:

• Bean Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as cannellini beans or pinto beans, for a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: This Basque beans recipe can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
• Freezing Instructions: These beans freeze exceptionally well. Portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags once cooled, and they will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

This Basque Beans recipe, whether made in the traditional oven or the convenient crock pot, promises a comforting meal with layers of flavors 🌶️🍅🌿. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, these hearty beans are sure to become a family favorite!