Iahnie de Fasole — Bean Stew

Romanian Fast With Oil Published March 02, 2026

Iahnie de fasole is Romania's national comfort food during fasting periods, and it deserves to be
known far beyond its borders. White beans slow-cooked in a sweet tomato and paprika sauce until
they are creamy and falling apart. This is the dish that proves beans need nothing else.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (for strict oil-free days, omit the oil saute and add onions directly to the beans during cooking)

SERVINGS: 6
TIME: 1 hour (with canned beans) or 2 hours 30 minutes (with dried beans)

INGREDIENTS:
- 500 g dried white beans (navy or cannellini), soaked overnight, or 3 cans (1.2 kg drained)
- 2 large onions, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

METHOD:
1. If using dried beans: drain soaked beans, place in a large pot, cover with fresh water by 5 cm. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 60-90 minutes until tender. Drain, reserving 500 ml of the cooking liquid.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 10-12 minutes until very soft and lightly golden.
3. Add both paprikas and stir for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, bay leaves, and cooked beans (or drained canned beans). Add enough reserved cooking liquid (or water) to just cover the beans.
5. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beans.
6. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaves.
7. Serve in deep bowls with chopped parsley and crusty bread alongside.

NOTES:
- Dried beans produce a far superior result to canned. The cooking liquid adds body and flavor you cannot replicate.
- The long, gentle simmer at the end is what makes iahnie special — the beans begin to break down and thicken the sauce.
- This is even better the next day. Make a large batch.
- White beans provide about 21 g protein per 100 g dried — this is a serious protein source.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 20 g | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Fat: 7 g | Fibre: 16 g