What are Breton Beans and where does this dish come from?

Breton Beans, known in Polish as “Fasolka po Bretonsku,” is a traditional Polish dish featuring large white beans cooked with smoked sausage, tomatoes, and spices. Although its name suggests a connection to Brittany in France, it is widely recognized as a classic comfort food in Poland. The beans are typically soaked overnight and simmered for at least an hour and a half until tender, resulting in a hearty, flavorful stew.

Can I make Breton Beans using canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, canned beans are a convenient alternative to dried beans and can significantly reduce cooking time. When using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly and add them towards the end of cooking, after frying the sausage, onions, and garlic. Then mix in crushed tomatoes, spices, and a little water if needed. Heat everything just until flavors meld, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Is it possible to prepare vegan Breton Beans without losing important flavors?

Absolutely, a vegan version of Breton Beans can be made by omitting the smoked sausage and replacing butter with oil or vegan margarine. To maintain rich flavor, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke, and use plenty of garlic, onions, and herbs like marjoram and bay leaf. This approach creates a satisfying, plant-based stew that retains the dish’s characteristic taste.

Why should salt be added only after the beans are fully cooked in Breton Beans?

Adding salt too early in the cooking process can prevent the beans from softening properly because salt tightens their skins. To achieve tender beans, it’s best to add salt only after they have fully cooked through. This ensures the beans remain soft and creamy, which is essential for the right texture in Breton Beans.

What spices and herbs are essential for authentic Breton Beans?

Traditional Breton Beans include spices and herbs like marjoram, bay leaf, allspice, and sometimes a pinch of cayenne pepper for mild heat. These ingredients provide a balanced, aromatic flavor. Fresh parsley is typically added at the end for brightness. Using these seasonings helps create the signature taste expected in this Polish bean stew.

Breton Beans with Kielbasa and Tomatoes Recipe for 2024

Name: Breton Beans
Prep time: 8 h 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 35 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: – 1 cup dried beans (such as black eyed peas or other types); – 1 medium chopped sweet onion; – 2 cloves chopped garlic; – 1 cup cubed Polish smoked kielbasa; – 2 cups crushed tomatoes; – 1 tablespoon tomato paste; – 3 teaspoons marjoram; – 1 bay leaf; – 3 allspice berries; – 6 cups water for cooking the beans; – 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or cooking oil for browning kielbasa; – Optional: cayenne pepper for added heat; – 1 teaspoon chopped parsley for garnishing

Ingredients

– 1 cup dried beans (such as black eyed peas or other types)

– 1 medium chopped sweet onion

– 2 cloves chopped garlic

– 1 cup cubed Polish smoked kielbasa

– 2 cups crushed tomatoes

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– 3 teaspoons marjoram

– 1 bay leaf

– 3 allspice berries

– 6 cups water for cooking the beans

– 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or cooking oil for browning kielbasa

– Optional: cayenne pepper for added heat

– 1 teaspoon chopped parsley for garnishing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-After soaking: drain and rinse the beans, then cook them in 6 cups of water for 1 to 1.5 hours until they’re tender, avoiding salt to keep them soft as recommended.

2-In a separate pan, brown 1 cup of cubed Polish smoked kielbasa in 1 tablespoon of butter, ghee, or cooking oil over medium heat, then remove it and set aside.

3-Using the same pan, sauté 1 medium chopped sweet onion and 2 cloves of chopped garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

4-Combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the browned kielbasa, then add this mixture to the cooked beans along with 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 3 teaspoons of marjoram, 1 bay leaf, and 3 allspice berries.

5-Season with salt and pepper at this stage, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes; add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want extra heat.

6-Finally, garnish with 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

🫘 Do not add salt during bean cooking to keep beans soft.
⏲️ Use canned beans as a quick alternative to dried beans.
🌶️ Add cayenne pepper to adjust the heat level to your preference.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Soaking Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: Polish
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 348 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 856 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 49 mg