Macedonian Beans Recipe

white beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and cheaper than dried beans.

smoked sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: pork sausage

Chicken sausage is leaner and often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is cost-effective.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds flavor without extra cost.

Soak white beans in water overnight.

Drain and rinse soaked beans.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onion and red bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and black pepper; cook for 2 minutes.

Add soaked beans and enough water to cover them by 2 inches.

Add bay leaves and salt; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour until beans are tender.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Transfer beans to a baking dish and stir in chopped carrots and vinegar.

Top with sliced smoked sausage and cover with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until sausage is browned.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: