Judiones. Comfort in a Bowl with a Spanish Bean Stew!

Hello, flavor enthusiasts! I’ll guide you through the preparation of delicious culinary project: Judiones de la Granja, an authentic Spanish dish that will transport you to the fields and farms of beautiful Spain. They are wonderful to eat in cold weather.

Ingredients for 4 people

• 2 Cups (500g) dried butter beans (best if they are huge)
• 1/2 Onion, peeled
• 1 Garlic head
• 2 Tomatoes
• 2 Bay leaves
• 2 Teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1 Spanish chorizo
• 1 Spanish Morcilla (optional because it is difficult to find it, but it is highly recommended)
• 1 Cube of bacon or around 6 bacon slices
• 8 Cups (2 liters) vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Measures

• It is not necessary to measure the ingredients precisely. The most important thing is that the beans are covered by water at all times.

Ingredient Approach

• I prefer the simplest method: combining all the ingredients raw, although sautéing and pre-processing the ingredients are good options.
• Alternatively, you can blend the onions and tomatoes after cooking and add them to the broth.
• Avoid stirring the beans during the cooking time.
• Add salt at the end, so you can add exactly what you like.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Due to difficulty finding authentic Spanish morcilla and chorizo in the US, consider omitting morcilla if you don’t like or find it. The difference in taste may not justify the cost. Chorizo is necessary for the taste.
• Local butter beans may not match Spanish ones; smaller beans are an alternative. Seek out quality Spanish huge beans if possible; the taste is worth the effort. Smaller beans can create a dish resembling “fabada,” another Spanish classic.

Leftovers Management

• Enjoy the dish the next day as flavors intensify. Alternatively, freeze any leftovers for future enjoyment.