Traditional Zapečeni Grah (Baked Beans)

Sastojci

• Dried white beans500g
• Smoked pork belly200g
• Onion1 large
• Garlic3 cloves
• Tomato paste2 tbsp
• Carrot1 medium
• Celery stalk1
• Bay leaf1
• Paprika1 tsp
• Vegetable broth500ml
• Saltto taste
• Black pepperto taste

Koraci

1. 1

   Soak the dried white beans overnight in plenty of water.

2. 2

   Drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 hour, or until tender but not mushy.

3. 3

   While beans are cooking, dice the smoked pork belly, onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic.

4. 4

   In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced pork belly over medium heat until browned and rendered. Remove the pork belly and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

5. 5

   Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

7. 7

   Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

8. 8

   Drain the cooked beans and add them to the pot along with the reserved pork belly and the bay leaf.

9. 9

   Pour in the vegetable broth and stir everything together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

10. 10

    Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.

11. 11

    Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F). Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and the sauce has thickened.

12. 12

    Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot.