Fabada Asturiana
Cuisine: Spanish Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chorizo
2 links (200)
Morcilla
2 links (200)
White Beans
2 cups (400)
Bacon
4 slices (120)
Onion
1 large (200)
Garlic Cloves
4 cloves (12)
Saffron Threads
1 pinch (0.05)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Bay Leaves
2 leaves (1)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Water
4 cups (960)
Totals
74 oz
(2,100 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chorizo
250
Morcilla
300
Fabada Beans
150
Ham
200
Pork Belly
400
Onion
50
Garlic
10
Paprika
20
Saffron
5
Bay Leaf
5
Salt
0
Water
0
Totals
1,390 kcal
Steps
1. Soak the dried white beans overnight in a large bowl filled with water.
2. Drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add fresh water to cover the beans completely.
3. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the chorizo sausage, morcilla sausage, and pancetta to the pot.
5. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent.
6. Add the sautéed onion, diced tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot with the beans and meats.
7. Stir in the sweet paprika, saffron threads, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover the pot and let the fabada simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
9. Occasionally, skim off any excess fat or foam that accumulates on the surface of the fabada.
10. Once the fabada is cooked, remove the chorizo, morcilla, and pancetta from the pot and slice them.
11. Return the sliced meats to the pot and stir gently to combine.
12. Allow the fabada to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
13. Serve the fabada Asturiana hot in individual bowls with crusty bread on the side.
14. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Spanish dish with family and friends. ¡Buen provecho!
Substitutions
Substitutions and Alterations for Fabada Asturiana:
1. White beans: Substitute with cannellini beans or navy beans. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
2. Morcilla sausage: Replace with blood sausage or black pudding. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of sausage used.
3. Chorizo sausage: Swap with spicy Italian sausage or pepperoni. Adjust the spice level as per your preference.
4. Pancetta: Substitute with bacon or salt pork. Adjust the quantity based on personal taste.
5. Ham hock: Replace with smoked ham or smoked turkey leg. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6. Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika or a combination of paprika and liquid smoke. Adjust the quantity to taste.
7. Saffron threads: Omit if unavailable or use a pinch of turmeric for color. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
8. Onion: Use shallots or leeks as a substitute. Adjust the quantity as required.
9. Garlic: Swap with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Adjust the quantity to taste.
10. Bay leaves: Substitute with thyme or oregano. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
Note: These substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish, but they will still provide a delicious alternative to the original Fabada Asturiana.
Pairings
- Crusty bread or baguette
- Spanish red wine, such as Rioja or Ribera del Duero
- Sidra (Asturian cider)
- Spanish cheese, such as Manchego or Cabrales
- Escalivada (grilled vegetables)
- Empanadas (savory turnovers)
- Ensalada mixta (mixed salad)
- Churros with chocolate dipping sauce
- Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette)
- Pimientos de Padrón (fried green peppers)
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Serve the Fabada Asturiana in individual ceramic cazuelas or small cast iron pots for an elegant and rustic presentation.
- Top each serving with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Garnish with a few sautéed chorizo slices or crispy pancetta for added texture and visual appeal.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of smoked paprika to the recipe for a smoky and robust flavor.
- Incorporate a splash of dry sherry or white wine while cooking the beans to impart a subtle tang and complexity to the dish.
- Consider adding a touch of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the dish.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular pork shoulder with Ibérico pork, known for its exceptional marbling and flavor.
- Include a variety of premium Spanish sausages like Ibérico chorizo or morcilla (blood sausage) to enhance the depth of flavors.
- For a touch of extravagance, add a few seared scallops or prawns on top of each serving, elevating the dish to a surf-and-turf delight.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the dining experience. Enjoy your next-level Fabada Asturiana!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of meat or substitute with low-fat options like turkey sausage to reduce the overall fat content.
- Reduce the amount of salt by using low-sodium broth or by adding salt at the end of the cooking process, allowing individuals to adjust according to their preferences.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Replace high-fat pork belly with leaner cuts of pork or chicken, or opt for vegetarian alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
- Soak the beans overnight and discard the soaking water to reduce the gas-producing compounds, making it easier to digest.
- Serve smaller portions or pair with a side salad to control calorie intake for those aiming for weight management.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, ensure that all ingredients, including sausages and broth, are gluten-free.
- If catering to vegetarian or vegan diets, exclude meat and use vegetable broth or add plant-based protein sources like lentils or chickpeas.
- Offer a variety of toppings like fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
Healthy Choices
1. Use leaner cuts of meat: Substitute fatty cuts like bacon or chorizo with leaner options such as turkey bacon or lean ham.
2. Reduce sodium content: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess salt, or opt for low-sodium canned beans. Use low-sodium broth or make your own broth to control the salt content.
3. Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
4. Decrease portion size: Serve smaller portions of the fabada and pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal.
5. Choose whole grain alternatives: Replace white rice or bread typically served with fabada with whole grain options like brown rice or whole wheat bread for added fiber.
6. Skim off excess fat: Remove any visible fat or oil that rises to the surface during cooking to reduce the overall fat content.
7. Use herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor of the dish with herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, or thyme, reducing the need for excessive salt or fatty ingredients.
8. Opt for cooking methods: Instead of frying or sautéing ingredients, consider baking, grilling, or steaming to reduce the amount of added fat.
9. Serve with a side of greens: Accompany your fabada with a side of steamed or sautéed greens, like spinach or kale, to boost the nutritional value of the meal.
10. Limit processed ingredients: Avoid using processed meats or pre-packaged fabada mixes that may contain additives or preservatives. Opt for fresh, whole ingredients whenever possible.
Shortcuts
1. Use canned beans: Instead of soaking and cooking dried beans, opt for canned beans to save time and effort. Rinse them well before using to remove excess sodium.
2. Substitute for expensive meats: Replace expensive cuts of meat like chorizo or ham hock with more affordable options such as smoked sausage or bacon. They will still add a rich flavor to the dish.
3. Pre-cook meats: To reduce cooking time, pre-cook meats like chorizo or bacon separately before adding them to the dish. This will also help render excess fat and intensify their flavors.
4. Utilize a pressure cooker: Speed up the cooking process by using a pressure cooker. It will significantly reduce the cooking time of the beans and meats while maintaining the traditional flavors.
5. Opt for frozen vegetables: Instead of using fresh vegetables, choose frozen ones. They are often more affordable, already prepped, and will cook quickly without compromising taste or texture.
6. Simplify the stock: Instead of making a complex stock from scratch, use pre-made vegetable or chicken broth. This will save time and still provide a flavorful base for your Fabada Asturiana.
7. Serve with bread: Instead of making homemade bread, serve the dish with store-bought crusty bread. It will complement the flavors and save you the time and effort of baking.
8. Make a larger batch: Prepare a larger quantity of Fabada Asturiana and freeze individual portions. This way, you can have a quick and economical meal ready whenever you need it.
9. Skip the garnishes: Traditional garnishes like hard-boiled eggs or fresh herbs can be omitted to save time and money. The dish will still be delicious without them.
10. Use dried spices: Instead of using fresh spices, opt for dried ones. They are more affordable, have a longer shelf life, and can be added directly to the dish without any extra preparation.
Remember, while these alterations can save time and money, it's important to adapt them to your personal preferences and taste.