Savory Portuguese Bean Stew
Warm up your autumn evenings with this hearty and flavorful Portuguese Bean Stew. A delightful blend of pinto, navy, or kidney beans cooked to perfection with crispy bacon, aromatic onions, and roasted garlic. The addition of tomato puree and a hint of ground cinnamon elevates this dish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect as a standalone dish accompanied by crusty bread, or served alongside a fresh salad, this recipe is ideal for cozy dinners. Note that the prep time does not include soaking the beans, so plan accordingly for a truly delightful meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry beans
14 ounces (pinto, navy, or kidney beans, rinsed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
bacon
3 slices (chopped)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
tomato puree
2 tablespoons (none)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (added towards the end of cooking)
Instructions
1
Rinse the chosen dry beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2
In a large saucepan, add the rinsed beans, cover them with 1 inch of cold water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3
Once boiling, remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let the beans soak for 2 hours.
4
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon, onion, and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the onions are translucent.
5
Stir in the tomato puree and ground cinnamon. Cook for another 5 minutes, mixing well to combine the flavors.
6
Transfer the bacon mixture to the saucepan with the soaked beans. Add enough water to just cover the beans.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the water level regularly, adding more if necessary to keep the beans covered.
8
About 10 minutes before the stew is done, add salt to taste. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Portuguese Bean Stew?
It is a hearty autumn dish made with beans, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and a hint of ground cinnamon.
What types of beans can I use for this recipe?
You can use dry pinto, navy, or kidney beans.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of chopped bacon.
How do I prepare the dry beans before cooking?
Rinse them under cold water to remove debris, then boil and soak them for 2 hours.
How long should the beans soak?
The beans should soak for 2 hours after being brought to a boil.
Is the soaking time included in the prep time?
No, the prep time does not include the 2-hour soaking period.
What kind of oil is used to sauté the ingredients?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1 large chopped onion.
How much tomato puree is added to the stew?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of tomato puree.
Why is ground cinnamon added to the recipe?
Ground cinnamon is used to elevate the dish and create a unique, comforting flavor.
When should I add salt to the stew?
Salt should be added to taste approximately 10 minutes before the stew is finished cooking.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer on low heat for approximately 50 minutes.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish the hot stew with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this Portuguese Bean Stew vegetarian?
While the tags mention vegetarian, the recipe includes 3 slices of bacon; omit the bacon to make it strictly vegetarian.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is perfect accompanied by crusty bread or served alongside a fresh salad.
How much water is used to soak the beans?
Cover the rinsed beans with 1 inch of cold water in a large saucepan.
What should I check while the stew is simmering?
Check the water level regularly and add more if necessary to keep the beans covered.
How should the garlic and onions be cooked?
Sauté them with the bacon in olive oil for about 5 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
How much dry beans do I need?
The recipe requires 14 ounces of dry beans.
Can I use navy beans?
Yes, navy beans are one of the recommended bean types for this stew.
Are pinto beans suitable for this recipe?
Yes, pinto beans work well in this Savory Portuguese Bean Stew.
Can I use kidney beans?
Yes, kidney beans are an excellent choice for this hearty stew.
What is the cooking temperature for simmering?
The stew should be simmered over low heat.
How much ground cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Should the bacon be chopped?
Yes, the bacon should be chopped before sautéing.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is this recipe good for autumn?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for warming up autumn evenings.
Why do I need to rinse the beans first?
Rinsing the dry beans helps remove any dirt or debris.
How much salt is added?
Salt is added 'to taste' towards the end of the cooking process.