# Fażola Bajda (White Bean Stew)

Source: https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/fazola-bajda/

A comforting Maltese white bean stew with tomato, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Rustic, economical, and excellent with bread.

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Tags: beans, stew, maltese-classic, vegetarian, vegan, comfort-food, traditional



## Ingredients

Measures: **1 tbsp = 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml.** For local ingredient names and substitutions, see our [guide to Maltese ingredients abroad](/maltese-ingredients-abroad/).



- 400g dried white beans, soaked overnight

- 3 tbsp olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 celery sticks, diced

- 400g chopped tomatoes

- 1 tbsp tomato paste

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- Small handful fresh parsley, chopped

- Salt and black pepper to taste


## Instructions

1. **Cook the beans**: Drain the soaked beans and place in a pot with fresh water. Simmer for 45-60 minutes until nearly tender, then drain.

2. **Cook the vegetables**: Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic.

3. **Simmer**: Add the beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano, and enough water to cover. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the beans are tender and the stew is thick.

4. **Finish**: Season with salt and pepper, stir in parsley, and drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.

Fażola Bajda is a rustic Maltese white bean stew, cooked with tomato, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It is economical, filling, and especially good with crusty bread.

## Serving Suggestions

- Serve with Maltese bread
- Drizzle with extra olive oil
- Add chilli flakes for heat
- Serve as a main or hearty side dish

## Traditional Notes & Tips

- Soaking the beans helps them cook evenly
- Add salt near the end so the beans soften properly
- The stew should be thick but spoonable
- Some versions add Maltese sausage or pork
- Leftovers thicken and taste even better the next day





## Serve with or cook next

- [Ħobż Malti (Maltese Bread)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/hobz-malti/): Serve crusty bread with the beans and tomato sauce.

- [Ful bit-Tewm (Broad Beans with Garlic)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/ful-bit-tewm/): Try broad beans with garlic and lemon for a simpler bean dish.

- [Minestra (Thick Maltese Vegetable Soup)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/minestra/): Use seasonal vegetables in a thick soup for another comforting lunch.