Basque beans, a culinary treasure of the Basque region spanning parts of France and Spain, are renowned for their distinct flavor and hearty texture. These versatile legumes, often referred to as "alubias" or "babarrunak," hold a prominent place in Basque cuisine, featuring in a variety of traditional dishes that showcase their unique characteristics. With their earthy taste, creamy interior, and slight hint of sweetness, Basque beans have captivated taste buds for generations. This article delves into the world of Basque beans, providing insights into their history, cultural significance, and the secrets behind preparing them to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, discover the culinary journey, discover the artistry of cooking Basque beans and uncover the secrets to creating mouthwatering dishes that capture the essence of Basque cuisine.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BASIC BASQUE BEANS
This recipe comes out of one my Basque cook books called The Basque Table, great book. I have cooked these beans for very large dinners (up to 70 people) always a winner. I have made a few changes. If you are preparing beans as a side dish, soup bones or morrow bones will suffice for flavor, I use ham hocks if I have them if not soup bones will work. But for a main course, you may want to add meat to the pot. Bacon or chorizo or even hamburger will work. If using hamburger, sauté first. *Research in recent years by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture shows that a simple procedure in preparation will eliminate 80% of the gas caused in eating beans. Complex sugars are that element and can be dissolved out in the soaking water by following this method. 1. Add the washed beans to a large pot with at least 3 times as much boiling water. 2. Boil 2 minutes without a lid 3. Remove from fire, cover and let stand 1 hour. 4. Discard water and add fresh cold water to cook.
Provided by littlebasque
Categories Beans
Time 2h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Wash and pick over beans to discard any stone or other debris. After preliminary preparation, add fresh cold water (hot water toughens them) to about 2 inches above beans.
- Add soup bones or ham hocks. Bring to a boil and skim off the foam that forms. After beans have simmered covered for about 45 minutes, and are beginning to soften, add the rest of the ingredients. (If onion or salt is added in the beginning, the beans may toughen).
- Continue cooking for about 45 minutes, or until beans are very tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
BASQUE BEANS (INCLUDING CROCK POT VERSION)
Make and share this Basque Beans (Including Crock Pot Version) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Onions
Time 3h40m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Soak beans overnight.
- Cover beans with cold water and cook until nearly tender (about 1 ½ hours, or 30 minutes in a pressure cooker).
- Drain.
- (this can be done a day ahead) In large casserole, heat oil and cook onion until soft; stir in garlic, then tomatoes, parsley, beans, red pepper flakes, oregano and 1 cup water.
- Simmer, covered, over medium-low heat, or uncovered in 340°F oven for 2-3 hours, until beans are tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in green pepper and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes longer.
- Season to taste.
- For crock pot: Prepare beans up to step 2.
- Add all remaining ingredients, including beans, to your crock pot.
- Cook on low for 10-12 hours.
HALIBUT A LA VASCO CON ALBUIAS EN SALSA VERDE (BASQUE-STYLE HALIBUT WITH WHITE BEANS AND HERB SAUCE)
Steps:
- For the white beans: Put the white beans in a container with the 4 cups water and soak overnight. The next day, drain the water and put the white beans, salt, carrot, celery, thyme, bay leaf, onion and 6 cups water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and skim any foam that forms on top. Simmer gently so as not to break the beans, until they are soft in the middle, about 2 hours. Take the pot off the heat and let the beans cool in the liquid. Drain, reserving the bean cooking liquid.
- For the fish stock: Put the olive oil, fennel, leek and onion in a 1-gallon stock pot and cook over medium heat to soften without browning, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and lemon juice. While that is going, wash the fish bones in cold water and then add to the pot with the bay leaf and 8 cups cold water. Bring the stock up to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and simmer, skimming off any foam that forms on top, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the stock and cool in an ice bath. (Makes about 6 cups; leftover fish stock can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months.)
- For the white bean stew: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over low heat, add the garlic and let it brown slowly. Once it starts smelling of cooked garlic, whisk in the flour so it dissolves into the oil to make a roux. Whisk in the wine and 2 cups of the fish stock until smooth. Increase the heat to medium high, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add up to 1 cup of the reserved bean cooking liquid. Add the white beans and simmer for another 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons Calabrian chile flakes-add more if you prefer spicy. Add a little lemon zest and juice. Keep the stew warm while you cook the clams and halibut. Just before serving add the parsley to keep it as green and fresh as possible.
- For clams: Put the clams in a pot and with wine to cover. Cover the pot and bring the wine to a boil over high heat, to gently open the clams. As soon as the clams start to open, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate.
- For the fish: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the halibut on both sides with salt and pepper. Sear the fish skin-side down until the first layer of fish starts to turn white, about 3 minutes. Flip, and cook until sides of the filets have turned white and the fish feels firm in the middle when you push down on the tops, another 2 minutes.
- To serve: Stir the parsley into the white bean stew. Divide the stew and clams among 4 bowls and top each with a piece of halibut, skin-side up. Sprinkle with some chopped parsley and serve.
BASQUE BEANS RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by jeaklor
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In an 8 quart heavy pot, put beans and at least twice as much water. Cover and bring to boil. Turn off heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain the beans and return to the pot. Add remaining ingredients except for the chorizo, salt and pepper. Bring to boil and simmer for 1 hour. Add chorizo and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Beans should be very tender and the liquid will thicken a bit. Taste to see if it needs salt and pepper.
THE BEST BASQUE BEANS
Make and share this The Best Basque Beans recipe from Food.com.
Provided by CJAY8248
Categories Beans
Time 3h10m
Yield 1 pot beans, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine beans and water in large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook chorizo over medium heat in skillet until brown, breaking up as little as possible. Drain and set aside. When beans are finished soaking, drain and return to pot. Add beef broth, pork, onions, garlic, bay leaf and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Add chorizo, salt and pepper and simmer, uncovered, until beans are very tender and broth thickens slightly, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf.
BASQUE STRING / GREEN BEANS
Make and share this Basque String / Green Beans recipe from Food.com.
Provided by littlebasque
Categories Low Protein
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook bacon until crisp; remove from skillet. Add onion and garlic to o1 tablespoon bacon drippings. Cook until tender on low heat.
- In a saucepan, combined tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and bacon; bring to a boil. Add drained string beans and simmer for about 15 minutes. Season to taste.
- If using fresh or frozen beans, cook until tender.
Tips:
Conclusion:
Basque beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. With its simple ingredients and flavorful broth, it is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you are a Basque food enthusiast or simply looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, Basque beans are a must-try. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, give Basque beans a try - you won't be disappointed!
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