A hearty and flavorful bean stew inspired by South American cuisine, perfect for a comforting meal.
Soak the dried beans in water with baking soda overnight.
Soaking beans helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
Drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot with bacon and fresh water. Simmer until tender.
Keep an eye on the water level and add more if needed to prevent the beans from drying out.
Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion, scallions, tomatoes, carrots, and garlic until soft.
Cut the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked beans, adding Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and bay leaf. Simmer briefly.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew warm.
Garnish with fresh scallions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.