Fasolka po Bretońsku (Polish White Beans with Smoked Sausage)
Local name: Fasolka po bretońsku
In short: Tender white beans simmered with smoked sausage, bacon, onion and a smoky tomato sauce, a thrifty Polish comfort dish served with bread. It takes about 2 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 490 kcal
Despite the name, which means Breton-style beans, fasolka po bretońsku is a Polish home classic found in family kitchens and workplace canteens. White beans are simmered with smoked sausage, bacon and onion in a thick tomato sauce spiked with marjoram and sweet paprika. It is cheap, filling and gets better when reheated. A slice of fresh bread, or a few pickles on the side, is all it needs.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans and put them in a large pot with the bay leaf, allspice and 1.2 liters (5 cups) of fresh water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 50 to 60 minutes, until almost tender. Do not salt yet.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 5 minutes, until the fat renders, then add the onions and cook for 8 minutes, until soft and golden.
- Add the sausage and garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika and marjoram and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant, then add the passata.
- Scrape the contents of the skillet into the beans and their cooking liquid. If there is more than about 500 ml (2 cups) of liquid, ladle some out first.
- Simmer uncovered, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes, until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick. Stir in the sugar, salt and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Rest for 10 minutes and serve hot with fresh bread and pickles. It tastes even better the next day.
Tips
- Short on time? Use 3 cans (400 g / 14 oz each) of white beans, drained, and simmer them in the sauce with 250 ml (1 cup) of water for 20 minutes.
- Choose a well-smoked sausage, because it flavors the whole pot. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomato, so add it by the half teaspoon until the sauce tastes rounded.
Questions and answers
Why is it called po bretońsku?
The name means Breton-style, yet the dish is a Polish home classic. Food writers do not agree on how the name came about.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the bacon and sausage, add 1 tsp smoked paprika, and sauté a few mushrooms with the onions for savory depth. Use a little more oil to cook the onions.
Do I have to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking shortens the cooking time and helps the beans cook evenly. In a hurry, boil them for 2 minutes, cover and leave for 1 hour, or use canned beans.
How long does it take to make Fasolka po Bretońsku (Polish White Beans with Smoked Sausage)?
About 2 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fasolka po Bretońsku (Polish White Beans with Smoked Sausage)?
About 490 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 49 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 490 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 16 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
