Fabada Asturiana is a traditional Spanish bean stew from the Asturias region. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with large white beans, various types of pork, and chorizo, creating a rich and comforting meal perfect for cold days. Follow this recipe to enjoy a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) dried large white beans (such as fabes or cannellini beans)
- 1 Spanish chorizo sausage, sliced
- 1 morcilla (Spanish blood sausage), sliced
- 1/2 lb (225g) pancetta or slab bacon, cut into chunks
- 1 ham hock
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (pimentón)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cups water (or more as needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Beans:
- Soak the Beans:
- Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Soak overnight, then drain and rinse.
Making the Fabada:
- Cook the Meats:
- In a large pot, combine the chorizo, morcilla, pancetta, and ham hock. Add enough water to cover the meats. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Add the Beans and Vegetables:
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot. Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, and paprika. Add more water if needed to cover the beans and meat.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a boil again, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more water if the stew becomes too thick.
- Season:
- Season the fabada with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and the ham hock. If desired, shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the stew.
Serving:
- Serve Hot:
- Ladle the fabada into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Accompaniments:
- Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the rich broth.
Fabada Asturiana is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Spain to your table. With its combination of tender beans, savory pork, and smoky chorizo, this stew is perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy it with crusty bread and a glass of red wine for an authentic Spanish experience. ¡Buen provecho!