White Beans and Chouriço recipe. White Bean dishes are a true staple of a Portuguese diet because of their hearty yet delicious ingredients. The combination of chourico, bacon, garlic, and paprika gives the tender white beans wonderful flavor with a slightly spicy kick. This is a simple and easy to make dish which will surely convert any person to the wonders of Portuguese cuisine.

*Serves 4*
Ingredients:
1 pound navy beans, washed and sorted
1/4 pound bacon, diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound chouriço or linguica, sliced
2 onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

Preparations:
1) Place the beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover by 3 inches.
2) Soak overnight.
3) The next day, drain the beans well.

Directions:
1) Place a large frying pan on medium-high heat and add the bacon and teaspoon of olive oil.
2) Cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crisp and has released all of its fat, for about 5 minutes.
3) Add the chourico to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned on all sides.
4) Now add the onions and garlic and let them cook until very tender, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, paprika, crushed red pepper and bay leaves. Keep stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.
5) Add the reserved beans, the chicken broth, and the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the beans, partially covered and stirring occasionally, until very tender, usually 1.5 to 2 hours, adding more water if necessary to keep the beans moist yet not soupy.
6) When the beans are very tender, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let sit, covered, for 15 minutes before serving.
7) Serve the beans in a platter family style and enjoy.