MEMORIES OF MACEDONIA ~ BORANIJA Боранија (Yellow Bean Stew)

green beans

🥗Healthier: asparagus

💰Cheaper: frozen green beans

Asparagus provides a similar texture and flavor, while frozen beans are budget-friendly.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while canola oil is often less expensive.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: yams

Sweet potatoes add nutrients and flavor, while yams are cost-effective.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth is healthier, while seasoned water is a budget alternative.

Wash and trim the ends of the yellow flat beans, cutting them into bite-sized pieces.

Grate one carrot and chop the other two into pieces.

Cut the sweet peppers into pieces.

Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

In a pot, heat vegetable oil and sauté the grated carrots and onions until soft.

Season with sea salt and black pepper while cooking.

Add the chopped carrots and sweet peppers, cooking for a few more minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add paprika and mix well, then add the yellow beans and stir to coat.

Pour in about 1.5 liters of water and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer gently.

Optionally add tomato puree or roasted red pepper spread for flavor.

Simmer for an additional 15 minutes after adding the spread.

Stir in chopped parsley and mix well.

Add flour to thicken the stew, mixing until lumps are gone, and adjust consistency with more water if needed.

Let simmer again for another 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary