Fabada Asturiana

Ingredients

White beans

2 cups, dried

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1 large, chopped

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Pancetta or bacon

4 ounces, diced

Chorizo sausage

4 ounces, sliced

Morcilla sausage

4 ounces, sliced

Smoked paprika

2 teaspoons

Bay leaves

2

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Water

6 cups

Instructions

1. Soak the white beans in water overnight. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced pancetta or bacon, chorizo sausage, and morcilla sausage. Cook until the meats are browned and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the soaked white beans, bay leaves, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
7. Check periodically and add more water if necessary to keep the stew from becoming too thick.
8. Once done, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Fabada Asturiana hot, preferably with crusty bread and a glass of robust red wine.