Polish Beans with Kiełbasa or 'Fasolka po Bretońsku’ is a traditional dish that combines hearty beans with tasty smoked sausage in a savoury tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for colder days and brings a taste of Polish cuisine to your table.
Ingredients:
- 500g / 1.1 lb dried beans
- 400g / 1 lb smoked sausage (kiełbasa)
- 1 onion
- 3 cups of tomato paste (passata)
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 tablespoons marjoram
- 1 tsp sweet red pepper powder
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 allspice berries
- Salt & pepper to taste
Method of cooking:
Rinse the dried beans and place in a large bowl. Cover with plenty of water and leave to soak overnight.
The next day, drain and rinse the beans. Put them in a large saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1-1.5 hours. Drain and set aside.
Peel and chop the onion.
Peel and slice the carrots.
Cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
Heat a little oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over a medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the sliced carrots to the pot and cook for a further 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the marjoram, paprika powder, bay leaves and pimento berries.
Pour in the tomato paste (passata) and mix well.
Add the cooked beans to the pot and stir gently to mix everything together.
Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check the seasoning after 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the bay leaves and pimento berries before serving.
Serve the Polish Beans with Kiełbasa hot, with crusty bread or boiled potatoes if desired.
