Dried beaten beans (facaluita)

Mashed beans with fried onions - A traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Mashed beans are a classic dish, perfect to be served as an appetizer or side dish. This recipe is not only tasty but also very nutritious, being an excellent source of plant-based protein. Over time, mashed beans have been enjoyed in various forms, each bringing a touch of the culinary tradition of the community that prepares it. It is a dish that evokes memories of family meals and is perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans
- 1 small onion
- 1 medium carrot
- a few slices of celery
- a suitable parsley
- garlic (to taste)
- 7-10 onions (the more, the tastier)
- tomato paste or puree (to preference)
- a little sweet paprika for color
- oil (for frying)
- salt and pepper (to taste)

Step 1: Preparing the beans
To achieve delicious mashed beans, it is essential to prepare the beans correctly. Start by selecting the dried beans, removing any impurities. Rinse the beans under cold water, then place them in fresh water to boil. It is important to change the water two to three times to eliminate the natural toxins in the beans. This step will help not only with the digestibility of the dish but will also enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Boiling the beans
After changing the water, allow the beans to boil until they become soft, about 1 hour. Check the consistency from time to time. When the beans are ready, remove them from the cooking liquid and place them in a bowl. You can keep the boiled vegetables for other dishes, such as a soup or vegetable puree.

Step 3: Mashing the beans
The boiled beans will now be mashed. Use a mixer or a sieve, gradually adding some of the cooking liquid until you achieve the desired consistency. Add salt, pepper, and a few tablespoons of oil to enhance the flavor. An interesting alternative is to use olive oil for a more intense taste.

Step 4: Adding garlic
After obtaining a smooth paste, add crushed garlic to taste. Garlic will not only intensify the flavors but will also bring health benefits, having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Step 5: Preparing the fried onions
In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion in hot oil until golden. For an extra flavor, you can add tomato paste or puree, as well as a little sweet paprika for a vibrant color. Mix well so that the flavors combine.

Step 6: Serving
The mashed beans are placed in small plates, topped with the fried onions. It is a versatile dish that can be served alongside pickles, cabbage salad, or, in non-vegan versions, with sausages or other smoked meats.

Useful tips:
- If you want a creamier consistency, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream to the bean paste.
- An interesting idea is to add spices like cumin or coriander during the mashing process for a unique flavor.
- If you have leftover boiled beans, you can turn them into a delicious soup by adding fresh vegetables and herbs.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I reduce the cooking time of the beans?
An effective method is to soak the beans in cold water overnight, which will reduce the cooking time.

2. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use to remove excess salt and preservatives.

3. What are the possible variations of this recipe?
You can add various vegetables or spices to adapt the recipe to your tastes. For example, the carrot can be replaced with bell pepper or zucchini.

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. They contribute to healthy digestion and can help maintain optimal cholesterol levels. Additionally, they are a filling ingredient, ideal for a balanced diet.

Mashed beans are a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of nostalgia to your meals. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 1/2 kg of beans, 1 small onion, 1 medium carrot, a few slices of celery, a suitable amount of parsley, garlic to taste, added to the mashed beans, 7-10 onions - the more, the tastier, broth or tomato paste, a little sweet paprika for color, oil, salt, pepper.