Iahnie de Fasole (Romanian White Bean Stew)
Local name: Iahnie de fasole
In short: White beans stewed slowly with golden onions, tomato paste and paprika until the broth is thick and rich, a Romanian fasting-day staple. 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
- 315 kcal
Iahnie is a thick white bean stew that Romanians make all year, especially in winter and during fasting periods. Onions cooked slowly until deep golden give the broth its sweetness and body. Serve it with pickles, raw onion and bread.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans, cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse. This gives a clearer broth and gentler beans.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the onions for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring, until deep golden. Add the carrot and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and paprika and cook for 1 minute, until the paste darkens slightly.
- Add the beans, savory, bay leaves and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 60 to 80 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very soft.
- Stir in the salt and pepper. Mash a ladleful of beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in to thicken the broth. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes more.
- Rest for 15 minutes, then scatter with parsley. Serve with pickles, raw onion and bread.
Tips
- For a smoky flavor without meat, use smoked paprika in place of the sweet paprika.
- In a hurry, use 3 cans (400 g / 14 oz each) of white beans, drained and rinsed, and simmer them in the sauce for 25 minutes.
Questions and answers
Is iahnie de fasole vegan?
Yes. This version contains no meat or dairy. It follows the fasting-day recipe of plain beans, onions and tomato, which is why it is common during Lent.
How is iahnie different from fasole bătută?
Iahnie is a whole-bean stew in a thick tomato and onion sauce. Fasole bătută is a mashed bean dip topped with caramelized onions.
Does iahnie taste better the next day?
Yes. Cool it and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water, as the beans keep thickening the sauce.
How long does it take to make Iahnie de Fasole (Romanian White Bean Stew)?
About 2 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Iahnie de Fasole (Romanian White Bean Stew)?
About 315 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 315 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
