Embark on a culinary journey to North Africa with this tantalizing bean stew, a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm your soul and gratify your taste buds. This hearty and wholesome dish is a harmonious blend of tender beans, chewy barley or farro, and the sweet, earthy notes of winter squash. The rich and flavorful broth, infused with aromatic spices and zesty preserved lemon, brings the dish to life, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. Alongside the main recipe, you'll find a delightful array of variations to suit your preferences and dietary needs, including a luscious vegan version, a gluten-free option, and a zesty slow-cooker adaptation. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the vibrant markets and bustling streets of North Africa, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
NORTH AFRICAN BEAN STEW WITH BARLEY AND WINTER SQUASH
This warming, highly spiced stew is rich in beans, grains and chunks of sweet winter squash. Feel free to substitute other grains for the barley. Farro works particularly well. If you'd prefer something soupier, thin it with a little broth or water before serving.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories soups and stews, main course, side dish
Time 1h45m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and cook leeks until they begin to brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Finely chop cilantro stems. Stir into pot, along with diced fennel and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in baharat, cinnamon and tomato paste, and cook until paste begins to caramelize, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in broth, 3 cups water, the barley and the salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stir in saffron, if using, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Stir in beans, squash, turnip and lentils; cook until barley is tender, about another 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired. Remove cinnamon stick.
- Ladle stew into bowls. Spoon a dollop of yogurt on top and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with cilantro leaves, fennel fronds and Aleppo pepper or paprika.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 181, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 546 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
MIXED BEAN AND WINTER SQUASH STEW WITH FRESH BASIL
I usually use a combination of white and red or borlotti beans for this stew. The fresh or frozen limas add a pale green, fresh bean to the mix. Soaking the beans is not absolutely necessary, but I find that they cook more evenly and have a more uniform, pillowy texture if I do.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, one pot, soups and stews, main course
Time 2h30m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Drain the beans through a strainer set over a bowl. Transfer to a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Measure the liquid in the bowl and add enough water to measure 2 quarts. Add to the beans and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer 1 hour. Add salt to taste and the bouquet garni, and continue to simmer until tender but intact, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy frying pan and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes, and add the paprika. Stir together for about a minute, and add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, for a minute or two, until the garlic and onions are very fragrant, and stir in the tomatoes. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes are cooked down and fragrant, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add a ladleful of broth from the beans and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
- Stir the onion mixture into the beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the winter squash and lima beans. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the squash and all the beans are tender. Taste and adjust salt, and add freshly ground pepper. Remove the bouquet garni. Just before serving stir in the fresh basil. Serve in wide soup bowls, passing Parmesan for sprinkling.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 237, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 769 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams
NORTH AFRICAN BEAN AND SQUASH SOUP
This thick, hearty soup is adapted from a more complex Algerian dish that includes several types of beans and a spherical type of couscous called muhammas, for which I substitute vermicelli.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Time 1h30m
Yield Serves 4 to 6
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Drain the soaked chick peas and set aside. Tie half the cilantro sprigs into a bundle with the dried red chili, and chop the rest. Set aside the chopped cilantro.
- Heat the oil in a large bean pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the onions and carrots. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt, the garlic, paprika, and turmeric. Stir together for about a minute, until fragrant, and add the tomatoes, and their juice. Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes have cooked down somewhat and the mixture is fragrant. Add the beans and water and bring to a boil. Add the cilantro bundle, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 1 hour. Add the squash, a generous amount of salt, and the harissa or cayenne, and continue to simmer for another hour. Taste and adjust salt. Add the vermicelli and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the cilantro bundle. Stir in the remaining cilantro and the mint, adjust salt and serve. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 103, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 1214 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams
BEAN SOUP WITH CABBAGE, WINTER SQUASH AND FARRO
Wondering what else you can do with the cabbage and winter squash in that box of delivered produce? Here's a meal in a bowl, perfect for a cold winter night.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, one pot, soups and stews, main course
Time 3h45m
Yield Serves six
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook the onion until it begins to soften, about three minutes. Add the carrot, celery and sage, and continue to cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about five minutes. Add half the garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute. Add the cabbage and a generous pinch of salt, and cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is limp, about 10 minutes. Drain the soaked beans, and add them to the pot, along with the squash, bouquet garni and 2 quarts water, or enough to cover by two inches. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, add salt to taste and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the beans are tender. Remove the bouquet garni, and discard.
- While the soup is simmering, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat in a medium-size nonstick skillet. Add the remaining garlic and the rosemary. Cook for a half-minute to a minute until fragrant, and stir in the tomatoes. Add salt. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and the mixture is thick, beginning to stick to the pan and delicious. Stir into the soup along with the cooked farro. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, and add lots of freshly ground pepper. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 264, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 659 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams
Tips:
- Use a variety of beans. This will give your stew a more complex flavor and texture.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices. North African cuisine is known for its bold flavors, so don't be afraid to add a little bit of cumin, paprika, or chili powder to your stew.
- Don't overcook the beans. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or rice. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion:
This North African bean stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of beans, barley, and squash creates a stew that is both filling and nutritious. And the addition of spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives the stew a warm and inviting flavor. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make stew, give this North African bean stew a try.
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