Lunches
Jani me Fasule (Albanian Bean Stew) (Jani me Fasule)
Ingredients
- - Dried white beans, soaked overnight — 300g (1 1/2 cups)
- - Onion, chopped — 150g (1 medium)
- - Carrot, diced — 100g (1 medium)
- - Tomato paste — 30g (2 tbsp)
- - Paprika — 5g (1 tsp)
- - Vegetable oil — 45ml (3 tbsp)
- - Bay leaf — 1 (1)
- - Water — 1.2L (5 cups)
- - Salt — 6g (1 tsp)
Method
- Drain the soaked beans and place in a large pot with fresh water; bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then drain again.
- In the same pot, heat oil and sauté onion and carrot until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and paprika and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the beans to the pot, add water, bay leaf and salt.
- Simmer covered for 45-50 minutes until the beans are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Introduction: A hearty, economical bean stew simmered with onion, carrot and paprika-infused oil, a fixture of everyday Albanian lunches.
Cultural Background: Jani me Fasule is one of the most common midday dishes across Albania, valued for being both filling and inexpensive, and often appearing on family tables several times a week in winter.
Tips: Parboiling and draining the beans once removes excess starch and results in a cleaner-tasting stew. A longer, slower simmer improves the texture and flavour considerably.
Variations: Add a smoked ham hock for a richer, smokier stew. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegetarian and vegan as written.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread and pickled vegetables on the side.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a little extra water, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition: 290 kcal | Protein 13g | Carbs 42g | Fat 8g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use canned beans instead? A: Yes — use 2-3 cans, drained, and reduce the final simmering time to about 20 minutes. Q: Is this stew spicy? A: No, the paprika adds colour and warmth rather than heat; add chilli flakes if you’d like more spice.
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