Betty'S Spanish Bean And Sausage Stew
A hearty Spanish-inspired bean and sausage stew featuring smoky chorizo, tender beans, and savory ham, perfect for comforting family meals and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. small dried white beans (Great Northern or navy) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 lb. slab bacon or salt pork, cut into 1/4 inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. smoked ham, cut into 1 inch pieces ⓘ
- 5 c. water ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. dry chorizo, cut into 1/2 inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 small tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the beans in a large deep pot covered with 2 inches of cold water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain the beans into a colander and dry the pot.
- Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onion, diced slab bacon or salt pork, and chopped garlic until the onion is wilted.
- Cut smoked ham into 1-inch pieces and add to the beans along with 5 cups of water, chopped chorizo, paprika, parsley, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add chopped tomato, ground cumin, salt, and red pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 15 to 25 minutes or until the beans are tender.
- Skim off any fat from the surface, remove from heat, and let stand covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you can't find dry chorizo, fresh chorizo can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Also, soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over rice, making it a heartwarming meal. For added flavor, consider serving alongside a light salad or with a side of Hawaiian Luau Bites for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S Spanish Bean And Sausage Stew contains roughly 397 calories, with 20g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly, adding them to the pot in the last 15-20 minutes of simmering, just to blend the flavors.
What type of chorizo should I use?
Dry chorizo is ideal for this recipe as it holds its shape during cooking. However, if you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use fresh chorizo, but be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the beans.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After sautéing the onion and bacon, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).