Biza or Manarolia Stew with Eggplants
Biza or manarolia is a forgotten legume that, in recent years, has been making a comeback thanks to dedicated efforts in Thrapsano Pediadas and the Lasithi Plateau. This traditional dish is a specialty of the Lasithi Plateau.
Ingredients
- ½ kg biza or manarolia (traditional legumes)
- 1 kg eggplants
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, grated
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt, pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Soak the legumes:
Clean the biza and soak them overnight in a bowl with salted water.
2️⃣ Boil the legumes:
The next day, drain and boil them in a large pot until they soften but do not fall apart.
3️⃣ Prepare the eggplants:
Wash and cut the eggplants into pieces. Soak them in salted water for 15 minutes to remove any bitterness.
4️⃣ Sauté the vegetables:
In a clean pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and eggplants, sauté lightly, then mix in the grated tomatoes and garlic.
5️⃣ Simmer the stew:
When the eggplants are halfway cooked, add the biza, salt, pepper, and a little hot water if needed. Stir gently, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Tip: Do not stir with a spoon—just shake the pot in a circular motion to avoid breaking the legumes.
Lena Igoumenaki
President of the Cretan Cuisine Festival Association
Cretan Cuisine Festival
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