Description
Croatian Grah Bean Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly weather. This traditional stew combines tender beans, smoky pork, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful experience. It is a budget-friendly, gluten-free option that brings the taste of Croatia to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) dry navy beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225g) smoked pork ribs or ham hock
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the dry navy beans and soak them in cold water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soaked and drained beans, smoked pork ribs or ham hock, diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried marjoram, and sweet paprika.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the smoked pork ribs or ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the bones and return the meat to the stew. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
- Season the Croatian Grah Bean Stew with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the hearty Croatian bean stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This traditional Croatian Grah recipe is best enjoyed warm.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
- You can adjust the amount of smoked meat based on your preference.
- This Croatian Grah can be made vegetarian by omitting the pork and using vegetable broth.
- Leftovers of this simple Croatian bean dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- The flavors of this authentic Croatian bean stew often deepen the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg