African Stews > Vegetarian African Stews > Bean African Stews

Dolichos Bean and Spinach Stew Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups dried dolichos beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the dolichos beans and soak them in water overnight.
2. Drain the beans and rinse them again.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Add the soaked and rinsed dolichos beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
8. Add the chopped spinach leaves and lemon juice to the pot, and stir until the spinach is wilted.
9. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cooking time: 1-2 hours
5. Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
- 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 246
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 13g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of dried beans instead of dolichos beans.
- You can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- You can use canned spinach instead of fresh spinach.

Variations:
- Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage to the stew for a heartier meal.
- Use different spices, such as chili powder or coriander, to change the flavor profile of the stew.

Tips and tricks:
- To save time, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot.
- If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the stew is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stew in bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Garnishes:
- Garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve the stew with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Side salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beans are still hard after simmering for 2 hours, continue to simmer them until they are tender.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure they are fully cooked.

Food history:
- Dolichos beans are also known as yardlong beans or asparagus beans. They are a staple in many Asian and African cuisines.

Flavor profiles:
- The stew has a smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor from the spices and lemon juice.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stew as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Earthy, Spicy