Sudanese Fasolia (White Bean Stew)
A comforting and savory stew made with white beans, meat (traditionally lamb or beef), and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Fasolia is a staple in Sudanese cuisine, often served with rice, kisra, or bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (e.g., Great Northern or Cannellini)(soaked overnight or for at least 5 hours)
- 500 g Lamb shoulder or beef stew meat(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(fresh, finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable oil or Canola oil
- 1.5 L Water
- 1 Tbsp Coriander powder
- 1 Tbsp Cumin powder
- 2 tsp Vegetable stock powder or bouillon cubes
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- handful Coriander leaves(fresh, finely chopped for garnishing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the soaked beans and place them in a pot with 1 Tbsp of oil and enough water to cover by about an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- 2
While the beans are cooking, heat 2.5 Tbsp of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- 3
Add the lamb or beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Pour in 1.5 liters of water, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, vegetable stock powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
- 6
Add the pre-cooked beans to the pot with the meat and sauce. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, kisra, or bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, brown the meat well before adding other ingredients.
- ✓Adjust the spices to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Use different types of white beans.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable stock.