Guernsey Bean Jar is a hearty, traditional dish from the island of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a beloved comfort food. The dish is essentially a rich, slow-cooked stew made with beans, vegetables, and a variety of meats. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for colder days. Originally a dish made for the poorer communities, it’s now enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, often served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) dried white beans (such as Haricot or Navy beans), soaked overnight
- 4 oz (115g) bacon or pancetta, diced
- 1 lb (450g) stewing beef, cubed
- 2 sausages (pork or beef), sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef stock (or water with a beef stock cube)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans: If you haven’t already, soak the dried beans in plenty of cold water overnight. Drain and rinse them well before cooking.
- Cook the Meats: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the cubed stewing beef and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and potato to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Stock and Seasoning: Return the cooked bacon and beef to the pot. Add the soaked beans, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Pour in the beef stock (or water and stock cube), ensuring everything is covered. Stir in the tomato paste, if using, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the bean jar simmer gently for about 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the meat is cooked through. Add more water or stock if necessary to keep everything submerged.
- Cook the Sausages: About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced sausages to the pot. Stir them in and allow them to cook through.
- Final Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the Guernsey Bean Jar into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or a slice of buttered toast on the side. Enjoy!
This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for gatherings or family dinners.
