In the heart of Basque Country, a region nestled between the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, lies a culinary treasure that has been passed down through generations: Basque beans. These hearty legumes, also known as alubias, have become a symbol of Basque cuisine, renowned for their rich flavor, creamy texture, and versatility. Whether you prefer them as a comforting stew, a savory side dish, or a hearty soup, Basque beans offer an unforgettable culinary experience. Embark on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets to creating the ultimate Basque bean dish, exploring the nuances of ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional Basque culinary wisdom.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
BASQUE-STYLE BEANS RECIPE
These Basque-style simmered beans from Wool Growers in Bakersfield are full of flavor from rendered salt pork.
Provided by Noelle Carter
Categories STOVETOP, MAINS, STEWS/BRAISES, HEALTHY, SIDES
Time 2h
Yield Serves 8 to 10
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Sort and wash the beans, then place them in a small, heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, loosely covered, until the beans are tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir the beans occasionally and check the water level, adding additional water as needed to keep the beans moist as they cook.
- While the beans are cooking, cook the salt pork in a frying pan until the fat is rendered and the pork is cooked, 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove and reserve the salt pork, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook over gentle heat until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes.
- When the beans are tender, stir in the cooked salt pork, onions, garlic, parsley, tomato sauce, thyme and red pepper flakes. Taste and add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and one-half teaspoon pepper, or to taste. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook a few minutes to marry the flavors. This makes about 1 1/2 quarts beans, which will keep, covered and refrigerated, up to 1 week. The flavors will improve with time.
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.
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 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.
Tips:
- Soak the beans overnight: This will help to reduce the cooking time and make the beans more digestible.
- Use a variety of beans: This will add flavor and texture to your dish. Some good options include Great Northern beans, Cannellini beans, and kidney beans.
- Don't overcook the beans: They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
- Season the beans well: Salt, pepper, and garlic are all essential seasonings for Basque beans. You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.
- Serve the beans with a variety of sides: Some good options include rice, potatoes, or bread. You can also add a green salad or a dollop of yogurt.
Conclusion:
Basque beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make a pot of Basque beans that will be enjoyed by your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Basque beans a try!
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