Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Prepare the White Beans: Begin by rinsing the dried white beans under cold water. Soak them in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight for the best results. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
- Cook the White Beans: In a large pot, add the soaked white beans and cover them with 2 liters of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the beans for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the beans and set them aside.
- Prepare the Pork Stew Base: While the beans are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to develop deep, savory flavors in the stew.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Once the pork is browned, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Build the Flavor: Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, and sweet paprika to the pot with the pork and vegetables. Stir well to combine. The tomato paste will help thicken the stew and give it a rich, deep flavor. Add the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and season with black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer some heat.
- Simmer the Stew: Pour in the water (1 liter) and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors are well melded.
- Combine Beans and Stew: Once the pork is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful, add the cooked white beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine, and let the stew simmer for another 20 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors of the stew.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If you like your stew spicier, add more chili flakes to your taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
