Authentic Spanish Judías Blancas Recipe: A Hearty White Bean Stew

Ingredients

  • 500g of dried Judías Blancas (white beans)
  • 2 Liters of water
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 ham bone (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the Judías Blancas in water overnight to soften them.
  2. Drain the beans and rinse under cold water.
  3. Place the beans in a large pot and add 2 liters of water.
  4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
  5. While the beans are simmering, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  6. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  7. Add the chopped tomatoes, sliced carrots, ground cumin, ground paprika, and bay leaves to the pan. Stir well.
  8. If using, add the ham bone to the pan and stir well.
  9. Cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes are broken down and the spices are well incorporated.
  10. Add the vegetable and spice mixture to the pot with the beans, stirring well to combine.
  11. Let the pot simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are soft and the flavors are well combined.
  12. Remove the ham bone (if used) before serving.
  13. Season with salt to taste, and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - Needed to cook the beans and vegetables.
  • Pan - Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
  • Knife - Required for chopping the onion, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and carrots.
  • Cutting Board - Used to safely chop the vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons - Needed to accurately measure the ground cumin, ground paprika, and salt.
  • Wooden Spoon - Used for stirring the beans and vegetable mixture.
  • Colander - Required to drain and rinse the soaked beans.
  • Serving Bowls - Needed to serve the cooked Judías Blancas.
  • Optional: Ham Bone - If using, it adds flavor to the dish, and you will need tongs to remove it before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeno or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Smoky Flavor: Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to enhance the flavors.
  • Meat Variation: Instead of the ham bone, use cooked bacon or chorizo for a different meaty taste.
  • Extra Vegetables: Experiment by adding other vegetables such as zucchini, celery, or spinach.
  • Creamy Option: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a creamy texture.
  • Citrus Twist: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the dish before serving to add a tangy kick.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Judías Blancas, a hearty and comforting dish from Spain that is perfect for those colder days. This traditional recipe is based on white beans, which are simmered until tender and then combined with a richly flavored medley of vegetables and spices. Some variations of this recipe also include a ham bone for added depth of flavor, but it's entirely optional. Expect a robust, warming dish that is not only high in protein but also packed full of flavor. It takes a couple of hours to prepare, largely due to the simmering process which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it hot and enjoy the taste of Spain in your own home!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned Judías Blancas instead of dried beans?
    Yes, you can use canned Judías Blancas. Simply drain and rinse them, then skip the soaking and simmering steps since canned beans are already cooked.
  2. Do I have to use a ham bone?
    No, the ham bone is optional. It adds flavor to the dish, but you can omit it if you prefer a vegetarian version or don't have one available.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
    Absolutely! Feel free to personalize the recipe by adding other vegetables like zucchini, celery, or corn. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for the added vegetables.
  4. How long can I store the cooked Judías Blancas?
    Cooked Judías Blancas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  5. Can I freeze the cooked Judías Blancas?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked Judías Blancas. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the Judías Blancas and the vegetable mixture.
  • Pan - Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
  • Cutting board - Essential for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Knife - Required for dicing the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and chopping the tomatoes.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring the beans and the vegetable mixture.
  • Strainer - Needed to drain and rinse the soaked beans.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the ground cumin, ground paprika, and salt.
  • Optional: Ham bone - If using, required for added flavor, and should be removed before serving.

Origin stories

Judías Blancas, or white beans, are a staple in many Spanish kitchens, playing a starring role in a range of traditional dishes. They are particularly revered in the region of Asturias, Northern Spain, where they form the backbone of the beloved and hearty dish, Fabada Asturiana. In the past, these beans were considered a food of the poor due to their affordability and the fact that they could be easily stored over the winter months. However, over time, the humble Judías Blancas has transcended its humble origins to grace even the most sophisticated of dining tables. Today, it's not unusual to find these beans soaking overnight in the kitchens of both traditional Spanish abuelas and Michelin-starred chefs alike. They're the epitome of Spanish comfort food, fostering warmth and unity at the dining table, and symbolizing the enduring spirit of Spanish gastronomy.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.