Moldovan Bean and Smoked Meat Stew
Bob de Fasole cu Afumătură
A rustic and deeply flavorful stew, 'Bob de Fasole cu Afumătură' is a staple in Moldovan cuisine. It combines tender white beans with savory smoked meat, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of tomato, creating a hearty and comforting dish perfect for colder days. This recipe emphasizes slow cooking to meld the rich flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (e.g., Great Northern or Cannellini)
- 400 g Smoked pork ribs or smoked pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or sunflower oil
- 2 Large onions, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, diced
- 2 Celery stalks, diced
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 liters Vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- a handful Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried beans thoroughly and soak them in plenty of cold water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
💡 Tip: Soaking beans helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. - 2
Place the soaked beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are starting to soften but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Par-boiling the beans helps remove some of the starch and can make them easier to digest. - 3
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the smoked meat chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the stew. - 4
Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Sweating the vegetables releases their natural sweetness and aroma. - 5
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Cooking the tomato paste briefly intensifies its flavor. - 6
Return the browned smoked meat to the pot. Add the par-boiled beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers all the ingredients; add more broth or water if necessary. - 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and the smoked meat is cooked through and falling apart. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Slow simmering is crucial for tender beans and well-integrated flavors. - 8
Season the stew generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as smoked meats can be salty.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot towards the end of cooking.
- ✓If you don't have smoked pork, you can use other smoked meats like smoked sausage or even smoked turkey.
- ✓Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of crusty bread.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
- Include a diced potato or two in the last hour of cooking for added heartiness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth, adding extra herbs and spices for flavor.