Guština — Montenegrin Bean and Sausage Stew

Shopping list

• 300 g dried white beans — soaked overnight and drained

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• 250 g smoked pork sausage — sliced into rounds

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• 1 piece onion — finely chopped

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• 1 piece carrot — diced

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• 1 piece celery stalk — diced

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• 3 clove garlic cloves — minced

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• 2 piece bay leaves

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• 1 tsp paprika — sweet or smoked

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• 2 tbsp tomato purée

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• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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• 1.2 l water

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• 1 tsp salt — or to taste

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• 0.5 tsp black pepper — freshly ground

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• 2 tbsp fresh parsley — chopped

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Step by step

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 8 minutes until softened.

2. 2

   Stir in the garlic and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. 4

   Add the drained beans, sliced sausage, bay leaves, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.

5. 5

   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender and the stew has thickened. Add more water if it becomes too dry.

6. 6

   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for a final 10 minutes to concentrate the flavours.

7. 7

   Remove bay leaves, stir in the chopped parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.