Fasolia Bayda: A Hearty and Rich White Bean Stew

As someone who adores Middle Eastern cuisine, I have tried and tasted a variety of delicious and unique dishes. One of my personal favorites is fasolia bayda, a traditional Lebanese dish made with white beans, tomatoes, and a variety of aromatic spices.

Fasolia bayda is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for colder weather. It is typically served as a main course and is often accompanied by rice or pita bread. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.

What sets this dish apart from other bean dishes is its rich and complex flavor profile. The combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices creates a savory and slightly tangy taste that is truly unique. Whether you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just looking to try something new, this is worth a try.

During a weekend trip to Seattle, my spouse and I decided to try out a Middle Eastern restaurant. After perusing the menu, I settled on ordering the fasolia bayda dish. A middle-aged waitress promptly brought the dish to our table.

As we were enjoying our meal, a large group of noisy children were brought in by another customer, disturbing the dining experience of other patrons. It was quite annoying, and after the children eventually calmed down, I asked the chef for the recipe.

The recipe contained the following ingredients: white beans, baking soda, olive oil, onion, meat cubes, water, tomato paste, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, seven spices, turmeric powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. For the topping, the recipe called for olive oil, garlic, coriander, and a pinch of salt.

Overall, this dish was a delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a new and exciting culinary experience.

Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to pairing fasolia, there are a lot of great options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Grilled Chicken: The mild flavor of the fasolia pairs perfectly with the bold, smoky flavor of grilled chicken. It’s a great option for a simple, yet satisfying meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs well with the subtle flavors of the fasolia. Try roasting some bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
Lamb Kofta: The savory flavor of lamb kofta is a great complement to the mild flavors of the fasolia bayda. Serve them together for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Mediterranean Salad: A fresh and crunchy salad is the perfect complement to the creamy texture of the fasolia. Try adding some chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
Lemon Rice: The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon rice pairs perfectly with the mild, creamy flavor of the fasolia. It’s a great option for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients:

2.5 (or 500 gr) cups of dry white beans
1 tsp of baking soda
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 onion, diced
500 g of boneless meat cubes (beef or lamb)
Water
1 carton of tomato paste (200 g)
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
1 tsp of seven spices
1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
1/4 tsp of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping, I will also need:

1 tbsp of olive oil
8-10 small cloves of garlic, crushed
1-2 bunches of coriander, finely chopped
A pinch of salt

How to Make Fasolia Bayda?

Start by soaking the white beans in a large bowl of water with baking soda overnight. On the following day, pour out the water and wash the beans well to remove any leftover baking soda.
Take a big saucepan, put in the beans, and pour in enough water to cover them completely. After that, let it come to a boil, and allow it to simmer on medium heat without a lid for around an hour or until the beans become soft and cooked. If the water starts to dry out, top it up.
In the meantime, get the meat and tomato sauce ready. In a pressure cooker over medium-high heat, add some olive oil to cover the bottom. When it’s hot, toss in the onion and cook for a few minutes until it gets a bit soft. Then, add the meat pieces and keep stirring until the meat turns brown.
Next, add enough water to cover the meat by an inch or so, then add the tomato paste, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, seven spices, turmeric powder, cumin, and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cover the pressure cooker and let it come under pressure. Once it has, cook it for 25-30 minutes, then turn off the heat. When the pressure has been released, open the pressure cooker.
Once the meat has cooked through and the beans are separately cooked through, drain the beans and add them to the meat and tomato stew. Stir it really well, making sure everything’s mixed, and then take it off the heat.
For the topping, heat up some olive oil in a pan. Put in the smashed garlic, finely chopped coriander, and a little salt. Cook them on medium-high heat, stirring all the time until the garlic turns a bit brown and the herbs get soft. After that, mix this garlic-coriander blend into the stew so it’s spread evenly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fasolia bayda is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. As I mentioned earlier, it is a staple in many Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, and for good reason.

Not only is it a great source of protein and fiber, but it is also packed with flavor thanks to the combination of herbs and spices used in the dish. The tangy taste of the tomatoes and lemon juice perfectly balances the creaminess of the white beans, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

One thing to keep in mind when preparing it is to make sure that the beans are cooked thoroughly. This can take some time, but it is worth the effort to ensure that the dish is not too hard or chewy.

Overall, I highly recommend giving fasolia bayda a try if you haven’t already. It is a simple and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

By the way, vermicelli rice pairs perfectly with this dish.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):