Part 2/8:
Beans: It necessitates around 450 grams of beans, which, during the medieval period, would have primarily included broad beans or fava beans. Modern varieties of beans often found today originated from the New World, rendering them historically inaccurate for this dish.
Ale or Red Wine: The original recipe suggests using red wine, which was not widely available to peasants in England. Instead, ale serves as a suitable and more accessible alternative.
Onions and Fat: Onions add flavor, while the choice of fat for frying is critical; peasants likely used butter, shared with neighbors, or lard. Olive oil, imported and costly, implied wealth.