Savor Portugal's traditional tastes with our recipe . This hearty stew combines tender fava beans and savory chouriço sausage for a rich , satisfying dish .

Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this authentic Portuguese dish promises to transport you to sunny Portugal.

Ingredients:

  - 500g dried fava beans

  - 250g chouriço sausage, sliced

  - 1 large onion, finely chopped

  - 3 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2 medium tomatoes, diced

  - 1 bay leaf

  - 1 teaspoon paprika

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1-Soak the dried fava beans in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse them before cooking.

2-In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chouriço sausage and cook until it starts to release its oils and becomes slightly browned, about 5 minutes.

3-Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4-Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and paprika to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.

5-Stir in the soaked fava beans and enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the fava beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered.

6-Once the fava beans are tender, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.

7-Serve the Favas com Chouriço hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy as a main dish with crusty bread on the side.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of Portuguese wine and is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values :

Dried Fava Beans (per 100g):

  - Calories: 341 kcal

  - Protein: 26.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 58.3g

  - Fat: 1.5g

  - Fiber: 25.0g

benefits:

  - High in protein: Helps in building and repairing tissues in the body.

  - Rich in fiber: Promotes digestive health, aids in weight management, and helps lower cholesterol levels.

  - Good source of complex carbohydrates: Provides sustained energy and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Chouriço Sausage (per 100g):

  - Calories: 455 kcal

  - Protein: 24.6g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.8g

  - Fat: 38.6g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Good source of protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Rich in fats: Provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

  - Contains iron and zinc: Important for immune function and metabolism.

Onion (per 100g):

  - Calories: 40 kcal

  - Protein: 1.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 9.3g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Fiber: 1.7g

benefits:

  - Low in calories: Suitable for weight management and adding flavor without extra calories.

  - Contains antioxidants: Helps combat inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Good source of fiber: Supports digestive health and promotes feelings of fullness.

Garlic (per clove, about 3g):

  - Calories: 4 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.9g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

  - Immune-boosting properties: Contains compounds that support immune function and may help fight off infections.

  - Antioxidant-rich: Helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  - Supports heart health: May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Tomato (per 100g):

  - Calories: 18 kcal

  - Protein: 0.9g

  - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Fiber: 1.2g

benefits:

  - Rich in vitamins and minerals: Particularly vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health, and potassium, important for heart health.

  - Contains antioxidants: Helps reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Low in calories: Allows for adding flavor and nutrients to dishes without significantly increasing calorie intake.

Olive Oil (per tablespoon, about 14g):

  - Calories: 120 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits:

  - Healthy fats: Contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  - Source of vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  - Anti-inflammatory properties: Helps reduce inflammation in the body and supports overall health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like brand, variety, and preparation methods.