Traditional Spanish Dinner Récipe: Authentic Fabada Asturiana
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on 150+ home cooking experiences)
👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy
🕒 Prep Time: 12 hours (soaking)
🍳 Cook Time: 2.5 hours
⏰ Total Time: 14.5 hours
🥘 Servings: 6
📊 Difficulty Level: Medium
As a Spanish chef who's made London my home, there's nothing that warms my heart more than sharing our beloved spanish dinner récipe: Fabada Asturiana with my British friends and students. This hearty bean stew, originating from the misty mountains of Asturias, isn't just food – it's a celebration of Spanish culture, family gatherings, and the art of slow cooking that has been passed down through generations.
When winter winds howl through London's streets, I find myself returning to this comforting dish time and time again. Like many authentic Spanish recipes, Fabada Asturiana represents the soul of Spanish cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something magical through patience and love.
What is fabada asturiana?
Fabada Asturiana is the crown jewel of Spanish comfort food. This traditional spanish dinner récipe features creamy white beans (fabes) slow-cooked with a magnificent array of cured meats. While some might compare it to cassoulet, our Fabada has its own distinct character that makes it uniquely Spanish.
Ingredients
500g dried fabes (large white beans)
200g morcilla (Spanish black pudding)
200g chorizo
200g pancetta or lacón (cured pork shoulder)
2 cloves of garlic, whole
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste
Preparation
Soaking (12 hours before):
Soak the fabes in cold water overnight
Change the water at least once during soaking
Initial Cooking (30 minutes):
Drain and rinse the soaked beans
Place in a large pot with fresh cold water
Bring to a gentle boil and skim any foam
Main Cooking (2 hours):
Add the meats, garlic, onion, and bay leaves
Simmer gently, never allowing to boil vigorously
Add saffron in the last 30 minutes
Season with salt towards the end
Professional tips for the perfect fabada
As someone who's prepared this spanish dinner récipe : Fabada Asturiana countless times, both in professional kitchens and cooking classes, here are my essential tips:
Never rush the cooking process – gentle simmering is key
Don't add salt until the beans are tender
Use the highest quality fabes you can find
Allow the stew to rest for 15 minutes before serving
If possible, prepare it a day ahead – the flavors develop beautifully
The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this spanish dinner récipe : Fabada Asturiana never fails to create memorable moments around the table. As we say in Spain, "La comida sabe mejor cuando se comparte" – food tastes better when shared.
Remember, while this recipe might seem complex, it's all about patience and quality ingredients. The result is a dish that will transport you straight to the heart of northern Spain, where comfort food reigns supreme and every meal is an occasion to celebrate life with loved ones.
What to serve with your fabada
While Fabada Asturiana is a complete meal in itself, I love serving it with:
Crusty Spanish bread
A glass of Asturian cider or robust red wine
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
For dessert, consider trying sobao pasiego, a traditional cake from Cantabria