Pochas from Navarra: a comforting stew
Pochas, a classic of Navarrese cuisine, are known for their creamy texture and delicate flavor. This stew, made with an aromatic sauté and a touch of bay leaf, is the perfect companion for those days when you crave something comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 green pepper
- ½ red pepper
- 200 g of crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 800 g of cooked Navarra beans
- Vegetable broth (quantity according to desired texture)
- Salt and extra virgin olive oil
Elaboration:
- Prepare the sofrito. Finely chop the onion and peppers. In a saucepan with a little oil, sauté them with the peeled and crushed garlic until tender.
- Stir in the tomato. Add the crushed tomatoes and cook over medium heat until they reduce and infuse their flavor.
- Cook the beans. If you're using raw beans, cook them in a pot of water until tender. If they're already cooked, add them to the sauce along with the vegetable broth.
- Add texture. Blend a ladleful of the stew and add it back in to thicken the sauce and enhance the flavor.
- Season and finish. Add the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve them piping hot with some good rustic bread… and enjoy this delicious spoonful!