Step-by-step instructions for Favas Guisadas
1. Prepare the fava beans
If using fresh fava beans, remove the outer pods first. If using frozen beans, let them thaw at room temperature. Fresh beans can be briefly blanched in boiling water to make the skins easier to remove.
2. Fry the chouriço
Slice the chouriço and fry them in a large pot with a little olive oil until lightly browned. The chouriço adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the dish. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté both over medium heat until translucent. This adds a deep, sweet flavor to the base of the dish.
4. Add tomatoes and spices
Now add the chopped tomatoes, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. The tomatoes should slowly break down and form a rich sauce.
5. Add fava beans and white wine
Once the tomatoes have reduced, add the fava beans and white wine. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the beans are tender. If necessary, add a little water during cooking to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
6. Add the chouriço again
Toward the end of the cooking time, add the fried chouriço back to the pot. This not only adds flavor but also provides a meaty element to this predominantly vegetarian dish.
7. Garnish with herbs and serve
Before serving, garnish the stew with fresh, chopped parsley or cilantro. This detail adds freshness and a visual accent to the dish. Favas Guisadas is traditionally served with a slice of rustic bread, which soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
Variations and tips
- Vegetarian version: Omit the chouriço or replace it with a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- With bacon: Another popular variation is to add some smoked bacon to make the dish even smokier and savory.
- White wine or red wine: Depending on your taste, you can use red wine instead of white wine, which will give the dish a deeper flavor.
- Adjust consistency: If the stew becomes too thick, add more water or broth. For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a spoon.
Nutritional values and benefits
Fava beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They contain important vitamins like vitamin B1 and folic acid, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. Combined with savory ingredients like chouriço and the antioxidants from tomatoes, Favas Guisadas provides a nutritious meal that will keep you full for a long time.
Step-by-step instructions for Favas Guisadas
1. Prepare the fava beans
If using fresh fava beans, remove the outer pods first. If using frozen beans, let them thaw at room temperature. Fresh beans can be briefly blanched in boiling water to make the skins easier to remove.
2. Fry the chouriço
Slice the chouriço and fry them in a large pot with a little olive oil until lightly browned. The chouriço adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the dish. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté both over medium heat until translucent. This adds a deep, sweet flavor to the base of the dish.
4. Add tomatoes and spices
Now add the chopped tomatoes, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. The tomatoes should slowly break down and form a rich sauce.
5. Add fava beans and white wine
Once the tomatoes have reduced, add the fava beans and white wine. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the beans are tender. If necessary, add a little water during cooking to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
6. Add the chouriço again
Toward the end of the cooking time, add the fried chouriço back to the pot. This not only adds flavor but also provides a meaty element to this predominantly vegetarian dish.
7. Garnish with herbs and serve
Before serving, garnish the stew with fresh, chopped parsley or cilantro. This detail adds freshness and a visual accent to the dish. Favas Guisadas is traditionally served with a slice of rustic bread, which soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
Variations and tips
- Vegetarian version: Omit the chouriço or replace it with a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- With bacon: Another popular variation is to add some smoked bacon to make the dish even smokier and savory.
- White wine or red wine: Depending on your taste, you can use red wine instead of white wine, which will give the dish a deeper flavor.
- Adjust consistency: If the stew becomes too thick, add more water or broth. For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans with a spoon.
Nutritional values and benefits
Fava beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They contain important vitamins like vitamin B1 and folic acid, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. Combined with savory ingredients like chouriço and the antioxidants from tomatoes, Favas Guisadas provides a nutritious meal that will keep you full for a long time.
