Cyprus-Forum.com

[Jerry]

I have just bought a book called "Culinaria Greece" by Marianthi Milona. It visits most of the Greek islands and Cyprus and describes local diets. The book gives a recipe for Fasolada - Cypriot bean soup. I have made some of this soup using cannellini beans but the book actually says "navy" beans, are these the same thing and does anyone have a recipe because what I have made does not resemble the bean soup I used to know. I'd be obliged for any advice.

PS The book is worth the £20 I paid for it just for the amazing quality of the pictures.

[cameron_roxburgh]

Navy beans
The navy bean got its current popular name because it was a staple food of the United States Navy in the early 20th century. These small white beans are perfect for making baked beans. Dry navy beans are available year-round in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Canned navy beans are also available year round at local markets.

Navy beans are small, pea-sized beans that are creamy white in color. They are mild-flavored beans that are dense and smooth. Like other common beans, navy beans are one of 13,000 species of the family of legumes, or plants that produce edible pods. Combined with whole grains such as rice, navy beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein.


Ingredients
1 pound navy beans.
1/2 cup olive oil.
2 cups chopped onions.
2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional.)
1 large carrot, chopped.
2 stalks celery, chopped.
1 6oz-can tomato puree.
3 quarts water.
1 cup chopped parsley.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation
Soak the beans in hot water for 30 minutes. Saute the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in oil until limp. Add the tomato puree and the water. Bring to a boil. Drain the beans and add them. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add the parsley 15 minutes before removing from the heat.


serves 6-8

[Jerry]

Thanks for your prompt reply CR, I seem to remember that somewhere coriander and lemon were in the Cypriot recipe. I don't think that cannellini beans are quite the same as navy beans because on the packet it says soak for 8 hours but I'll see what it tastes like tomorrow.

[Kikapu]

I have just bought a book called "Culinaria Greece" by Marianthi Milona. It visits most of the Greek islands and Cyprus and describes local diets. The book gives a recipe for Fasolada - Cypriot bean soup. I have made some of this soup using cannellini beans but the book actually says "navy" beans, are these the same thing and does anyone have a recipe because what I have made does not resemble the bean soup I used to know. I'd be obliged for any advice.

PS The book is worth the £20 I paid for it just for the amazing quality of the pictures.

I made some just yesterday, as mater of fact.

I used Fasulya Beans from Turkey to make it with, In the States, I used "Northern" Beans (white).

It is also not a "soup". It is meant to be something like a "stew".

It is one main recipe, but one can add, beef, lamb, chicken, or mince meat. I made it with mince meat yesterday.

I'll PM you the recipe later today or tomorrow.

[Jerry]

Thank you Kikapu. What I have made does look more like a stew, apparently it will taste better tomorrow than when just cooked (according to the book). I do remember once years ago having some in Cyprus that was absolutely delicious for such a simple dish, I'm trying to re-create that taste. I probably need lessons from a "gojakari" (I think that's the right word)

[Kikapu]

Thank you Kikapu. What I have made does look more like a stew, apparently it will taste better tomorrow than when just cooked (according to the book). I do remember once years ago having some in Cyprus that was absolutely delicious for such a simple dish, I'm trying to re-create that taste. I probably need lessons from a "gojakari" (I think that's the right word)

It taste good right after coking it, once it rests for about half an hour, and also tastes good, for the next few days. I froze all my extras, for another time.

You do need to use lemon juice also.

Like all cooking, you will create your own version and taste, after few trials.

[karma]

and dont forget to eat onions while having tht soup, thts the way it shld be..

[andri_cy]

Wow haven't had that in maybe 7 years or more. I know need to make it ASAP. My poor Charlie suffers when I get all nostalgic...

[Kikapu]

and dont forget to eat onions while having tht soup, thts the way it shld be..

....or hot pickled peppers...

...it's not a SOUP.!

[Kikapu]

Wow haven't had that in maybe 7 years or more. I know need to make it ASAP. My poor Charlie suffers when I get all nostalgic...

You need to break the habit of eating those frozen dinners young lady.

Now get in the kitchen, and cook like a Cypriot.