Birnen, Bohnen und Speck facts for kids
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| Type | Stew |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Region or state | North Germany |
| Main ingredients | Pears, beans, bacon, potatoes |
Birnen, Bohnen und Speck is a tasty dish from North Germany. Its name means "pears, beans, and bacon." You can find it in states like Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Hamburg.
Sometimes, people call it Bohnen, Birnen und Speck instead. In some local areas, it's known by the Low Saxon names Grööner Hein or Grönen Heini, which means "Green Harry." This dish is usually eaten in August and September. This is because its main ingredients are freshest during these months.
This dish is a type of stew. As its name suggests, the main ingredients are pears, beans, and speck (a kind of bacon). In many North German kitchens, potatoes are also added. Even though potatoes are not in the name, they are a common part of the meal.
Contents
What's in Birnen, Bohnen und Speck?
The Beans
Usually, people use cut French beans for this dish. These are also called Brechbohnen. In Hamburg markets, you might find "Turkish peas." Despite their name, these are a type of bean from the Vierlande area. They used to be very popular for this stew. When cooking the beans, a few sprigs of savory herb are often added. This gives the beans a nice flavor.
The Pears
The pears used for this dish are special cooking pears. You wouldn't normally eat them raw like other fruits. They are small, green, and very firm. They don't have the sweetness or juiciness of regular eating pears. You can often find these cooking pears at local markets or small vegetable shops.
In the Hamburg area, two types of cooking pears are popular. These are the Vierländer and the Finkenwerder pears. The Vierländer pears stay a bit firmer after cooking, which many people prefer. These special pears are only available from July to September. This depends on the weather each year. If you can't find them, Bürgermeisterbirne pears can be used. They are not as sweet when raw, but become sweeter when cooked.
The Bacon
The bacon used for this dish is streaky and smoky. To get the best taste, it's important to choose the right kind of bacon. It doesn't matter if it comes from Vierlande, the Black Forest, or Tyrol. All these places make suitable bacon with interesting flavors.
The most important thing is how the bacon has been stored. Only streaky bacon that has been air-dried will give the best taste. When cooked, this bacon creates a pleasant, seasoned fat that melts in your mouth. Bacon stored in vacuum packs, which is common today, often becomes stringy when cooked. It doesn't give the same rich flavor.
Other Ingredients
In Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, people like to add potatoes that stay firm after cooking. Varieties like Cilena or Linda are often used. In the Land Hadeln region, some people also cook beef or lamb along with the bacon. This adds even more flavor to the stew.
How to Make Birnen, Bohnen und Speck
First, you can put the bacon in water. You can use whole strips or cut it into pieces. Then, bring the water to a boil. While the bacon cooks, clean the beans and cut them into sections.
After the bacon has cooked for about 25 minutes, add the beans and savory herb to the pot. Keep cooking everything together. The pears are prepared by removing their flowers, but the stalks are left on. The pears are cooked with their skins on. Lay them on top of the beans in the pot, and let everything cook together.
The peeled potatoes are usually boiled separately in salted water. Sometimes, they are cooked directly with the rest of the stew. The total cooking time for the dish is about 50 minutes. Near the end, mix some flour with water. Pour this mixture into the pot and boil it briefly. This helps to thicken the stew.
Here are the typical amounts for four people:
- 750 g of beans
- 500 g of pears
- 400 g of bacon
- 500 g of potatoes
- 1 sprig of savory
- 2 tablespoons of flour
When serving, each person gets one or two pears. They also get a good portion of bacon, beans, and potatoes. You can add as much broth as you like. A fresh beer is often enjoyed with this meal.
Different Ways to Make It
There are a few ways people change this recipe. Some people don't use savory. Instead, they add freshly chopped parsley at the end. Others use broth instead of water for cooking. This broth can be ready-made or homemade. Some recipes also add pepper for more flavor.
ksh:Fitschbunne
See also
In Spanish: Birnen, Bohnen und Speck para niños
