Traditional Fasolada

2022-01-21

By Dimitris Molyvatis

Greek Cuisine

Soup

3 Easy Ways to Make Flavorful Bean Soup: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Induction Cooker Recipes

Slow Cooker Bean Soup: The Secret to Rich, Flavorful Beans with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker’s "Low" setting to simmer your beans, tomatoes, olive oil, and seasonings for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method allows the beans to absorb all the flavors and results in a rich, comforting soup. The longer cook time enhances the depth of the soup, making it perfect for a hearty meal.

Instant Pot Bean Soup: How to Cook Tender, Flavorful Beans in Half the Time

Use the "Saute" function to cook onions, garlic, and tomatoes until softened and fragrant. Add your beans and broth, then set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" for 30 minutes. The Instant Pot reduces cooking time while keeping the beans tender and the flavors well-developed.

Induction Cooker Bean Soup: Achieving Perfectly Cooked Beans with Precision Heat

Use the induction cooker's precise temperature control to gently simmer your beans and vegetables. Set it to a medium-low heat to avoid overcooking, and let it cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method ensures the beans cook evenly and the flavors develop perfectly, while keeping the temperature consistent throughout the process.

Tips and Suggestions on Fasolada

Perfect Bean Texture

Fasolada, a traditional Greek bean soup, requires beans that are soft and creamy, but not mushy. To achieve the perfect texture, soak the beans overnight before cooking. This helps soften them and ensures they maintain their shape during the long simmer.

Achieving Flavor Balance

Fasolada boasts a savory and earthy flavor, complemented by bright, fresh notes. The challenge lies in balancing these flavors so none of the ingredients dominate. Taste the soup frequently as it cooks and adjust seasonings—like olive oil, garlic, and herbs—until it’s just right.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Slow cooking is key to developing Fasolada’s rich flavors and tenderizing the beans. Avoid cooking at high heat, as this can cause the beans to break down or burn. A long, slow simmer over low heat will bring out the best texture and flavor.

Vegetable Preparation

Fasolada includes hearty vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. To ensure even cooking, chop the vegetables into uniform pieces. This consistency in size will help everything cook at the same rate, ensuring a well-balanced texture in the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

Fasolada is traditionally served as a main dish with crusty bread on the side. Experiment with pairing it with different types of bread, or serve with a simple salad for added freshness. The right accompaniment will elevate the flavor and texture of the soup.

Classic Fasolada Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g dried white beans
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 large celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 cups water

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse the beans.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
  3. Add carrots and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaf, salt and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Add the beans and water, bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 50-60 minutes or until the beans are soft.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  8. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 60 min

Total time 80 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 394
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 16 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Protein: 23 g

Variations for Fasolada

Moroccan Stewed White Beans

This version is made with tender white beans slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a comforting Moroccan dish.

Loubia (Moroccan stewed white beans)

White Beans and Sausage

This version is made with savory sausage sautéed with white beans, garlic, and onion, creating a hearty and satisfying one-pot meal.

White Beans and Sausage

White Beans Recipe

This version is made with small white beans simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, seasoned with garlic and spices for a delightful Latin comfort food.

Habichuelas Blancas Guisadas (Small White Beans Recipe)

Uruguayan Fasolada

This version is made with fresh tomatoes, white beans, and herbs, dressed in a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutritious salad inspired by Uruguay.

Uruguayan Tomato White Bean Salad

White bean Soup and Chimichuri

This version is made with fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar, blended into a lively sauce that enhances grilled meats, showcasing flavors from Uruguay and Argentina.

Authentic Chimichurri (Uruguay & Argentina)

Thai White Beans

This version is made with smooth noodles coated in a spicy green curry sauce, combined with nutritious white beans and jackfruit for a vibrant Thai dish.

Thai Green Curry Noodles with White Beans & Jackfruit

Curry Cannelini Beans

This version is made with creamy cannellini beans simmered in a fragrant green curry sauce, resulting in a deliciously rich and filling meal.

Green Curry with Cannellini Beans

White Beans Curry Soup

This version is made with white beans simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk, creating a flavorful and comforting vegetarian curry.

White Bean Curry Recipe

Fasolada Recipe Review

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