Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Savory Basque-Style Bean Stew?
The main ingredients include dried kidney beans, chorizo sausage, boneless pork, beef broth, onion, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of beans are used in this stew?
Dried kidney beans are used, which should be rinsed and sorted before preparation.
How long should the kidney beans soak?
The beans should be boiled for 2 minutes and then soaked for 1 hour.
What type of meat is used besides chorizo?
Boneless pork cut into small pieces is used alongside the chorizo.
How should the chorizo be prepared?
Chorizo should be cut into 3/4-inch chunks and browned in a skillet with excess fat drained.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
How much protein does one serving contain?
Each serving provides 13.75g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
One serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
What kind of broth is recommended for this recipe?
Beef broth is used to provide a savory depth of flavor to the stew.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Dried oregano and a whole bay leaf are the primary herbs used.
What is the first step in preparing the beans?
The first step is to combine dried kidney beans and water in a large pot and bring them to a rolling boil.
Should I drain the beans after soaking?
Yes, drain the beans after the 1-hour soak before returning them to the pot with other ingredients.
When should I add the chorizo to the pot?
Stir in the browned chorizo after the initial 1-hour simmer of the beans and pork.
How long should the stew simmer after adding the pork and broth?
The mixture should simmer for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, the bay leaf should be removed from the stew before serving.
How can I thicken the broth of the stew?
Simmering the stew uncovered for the final 20 minutes helps the broth thicken slightly.
What are some recommended sides for this dish?
It is delicious when served with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
What is the preparation for the onion?
Use one medium onion that has been chopped.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 0.5 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust it to taste.
How much water is required for soaking the beans?
3 cups of water are used for soaking and cooking the kidney beans.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are a total of 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include basque recipe, bean stew, comfort food, chorizo, pork, hearty meal, beans, and savory dish.
Is the pork cooked separately before adding to the stew?
No, the diced pork is added directly to the pot with the broth and soaked beans to simmer.
How much chorizo is needed?
You will need 0.5 lb of chorizo sausage.
How much boneless pork should I use?
The recipe requires 0.75 lb of boneless pork.
Should I stir the stew while it simmers?
Yes, stir occasionally during the final simmering stage to prevent the beans from sticking.
What flavor profile does this stew offer?
The stew offers hearty, robust, smoky, and savory flavors characteristic of the Basque region.