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Basque Beans Recipe ๐ฒ
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:
-
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.
-
Cook Beans Until Tender:
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- 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 ยฝ 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:
-
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 sautรฉ until they become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 340ยฐF (170ยฐC) 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.
-
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:
-
Preparing in a Crock Pot:
- Follow steps 1 and 2 to soak and partially cook the beans.
-
Combine All Ingredients:
- In your slow cooker, combine the partially cooked beans with all the remaining ingredients.
- This includes the sautรฉed onion-garlic-tomato mixture, fresh parsley, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and diced green pepper.
-
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.
-
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 ๐ถ๏ธ๐ ๐ฟ. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, these hearty beans are sure to become a family favorite!