Habas a la Catalana (Catalan Broad Beans)

Transport yourself to the heart of Catalonia with this traditional recipe for "Habas a la Catalana" or Catalan Broad Beans. This rustic and satisfying stew combines the flavors of broad beans with savory pork elements, simmered to perfection in a tangy tomato and white wine sauce. Perfect as a main course, it's a dish that embraces the warmth and depth of Catalan cuisine.

Ingredients

🍅 1 tablespoon fried tomato sauce, from Tomate frito
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🍃 2 bay leaves, from Laurel
🌭 1 Butifarra negra or black sausage, cut into cubes with some slices reserved
💧 Water, enough to cover beans during simmering
🫒 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil, for sautéing
🧅 1 onion, finely chopped
🍈 0.5 kg cooked broad beans
🧂 Salt, provided in the recipe
🌶️ A pinch of sweet paprika, from Pimentón dulce
🍷 1 glass white wine, approx. 200-250 ml
🥓 4 strips of streaky bacon, cubed, from Panceta or Tocino con veta
🍖 Diced ham, provided in the recipe

Instructions

1- Prepare Ingredients:

• Set yourself up for success by pre-cooking the broad beans in salted water for 10 minutes.

2- Crisp the Bacon:

• In your BRA Efficient Cacerola, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the cubed bacon.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as the aroma fills your kitchen.

3- Build the Base:

• Add the onion to the pot, cooking until translucent.
• Next, introduce the minced garlic for a fleeting minute to release its essence.

4- Infuse the Butifarra:

• Mix in the diced butifarra negra and bay leaves.
• Let the flavors harmonize for a few minutes.

5- Richen the Sauce:

• Sprinkle in the paprika, stir swiftly, and then incorporate the fried tomato sauce.
• Elevate with a splash of white wine, deglazing the pot.

6- Simmer the Stew:

• Introduce the pre-cooked beans, followed by enough water to submerge them.
• Bring to a gentle simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

7- Final Touches:

• Just before completion, lay the reserved sausage slices and diced ham atop the stew.
• Continue to simmer for a final 5 minutes.

8- Season and Serve:

• Adjust to your taste buds with additional salt if needed.
• Serve in a warm terracotta bowl with fresh bread as an ideal companion.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: Approx. 40-50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Equipment:

• BRA Efficient Cacerola Baja - Cazuela/Pot
• BRA Efficient Knife Set - Cuchillos/Knives
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Small bowls for ingredient preparation
• Induction hob, slightly visible with "Balay" brand

Cooking Tips

• Flavor Infusion: Cooking butifarra early enriches the dish's entirety.
• Texture Contrast: Reserve some sausage slices for the end for culinary depth.
• Gentle Swirling: Prevent bean or sausage breakage by swirling the pot gently.
• Alternative: Use morcilla if butifarra negra is unavailable.

#catalan #broadbeans #pork #traditionalrecipe #spanishcuisine #comfortfood

La cocina de Merche Borjas: https://www.youtube.com/@LacocinadeMercheBorjas

#lacocinademercheborjas

Habas a la Catalana (Catalan Broad Beans)