Yemeni Kidney Bean Stew (Fasolia)
Fasolia is a hearty and comforting stew made with kidney beans, tomatoes, and aromatic Yemeni spices. It's a staple in Yemeni households, often served with flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried kidney beans(soaked overnight and drained)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 tbsp Hawaij spice blend
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 6 cups Water or vegetable broth
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 6-8 minutes - 2
Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, Hawaij spice blend, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add beans and liquid: Add the soaked and drained kidney beans to the pot. Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine.
- 4
Simmer the stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if the stew becomes too thick.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes💡 Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on the age of the beans. - 5
Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
- 6
Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with Yemeni flatbread (like Malawach or Khobz) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking beans overnight is crucial for proper cooking and digestibility.
- ✓If you're short on time, you can use canned kidney beans, but rinse them thoroughly and add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced carrots or potatoes to the stew for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier stew, add a chopped green chili pepper along with the garlic.