Mashed beans with wild garlic

Beaten beans with ramsons – a rustic, healthy delight full of flavors! This simple and quick recipe, perfect for a comforting meal, combines the rich taste of beans with the green and fragrant notes of ramsons, a flavorful plant that adds a touch of freshness. Additionally, it is ideal for those looking to explore vegetarian dishes, being an excellent source of plant protein.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 hours (in a slow cooker)
Total: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g beans (preferably white or black, depending on preferences)
- 1 large carrot
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 150 ml tomato juice (fresh or canned, depending on preferences)
- Ramsons (a handful, as much as you can gather with both hands)
- 50 ml olive oil or sunflower oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the beans:
Start by selecting the beans, removing any defective beans. Rinse the beans in cold water to clean them of impurities. Then, soak the beans in a container with plenty of water, letting them sit overnight. This step will help the beans cook evenly and be easier to digest.

2. Cooking the beans:
In the morning, drain the beans and place them in the slow cooker. Add the peeled carrot (whole or cut in half), the peeled garlic (whole or crushed, depending on preferences), and the bay leaves. Fill with water until all ingredients are covered. Set the slow cooker on low temperature and let the beans cook for 5 hours. This cooking method allows the flavors to develop, and the beans will become extremely soft and creamy.

3. Preparing the bean paste:
After the beans are cooked, remove the carrot and garlic from the pot and transfer the beans to a food processor. Add salt, pepper, the cooked carrot (cut into pieces), and the tomato juice. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

4. Preparing the ramsons:
Wash the ramsons well to remove any sand or impurities and dry them with a paper towel. In a heated pan, add 50 ml of oil and sauté the ramsons for about 2 minutes until they become soft and change to a vibrant green color. This will enhance the ramsons’ flavor and make the dish tastier.

5. Mixing the ingredients:
Transfer the sautéed ramsons to the food processor and blend them together with the bean paste until you obtain a uniform composition. Here you can decide how smooth you want the paste; if you prefer a more rustic texture, opt for a shorter mixing time.

6. Serving:
Serve the beaten beans with ramsons in a generous bowl. You can garnish with a few fresh ramsons leaves for an attractive look. This recipe pairs perfectly with assorted pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of flavors. You can also try it with toasted bread or cornbread for an even more satisfying meal.

Useful tips:
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, don’t worry! You can simmer the beans in a regular pot on low heat, being careful to add water periodically to prevent sticking.
- Choose quality beans, preferably from organic sources, to enjoy an authentic taste and nutritional benefits.
- Ramsons are a sought-after plant for their health properties, having beneficial effects on the immune system due to their high vitamin and antioxidant content.

Nutritional information:
This beaten beans with ramsons recipe is rich in plant protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet. A 100 g serving contains approximately 150 calories, making it ideal for a nutritious meal that is easy to digest.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use to remove excess sodium.

2. How can I vary the recipe?
You can add spices like cumin or paprika to give it a flavorful twist or replace ramsons with spinach or dill, depending on preferences.

3. Can the beaten beans be frozen?
Yes, the bean paste freezes very well, so you can make a larger quantity and use it later.

This beaten beans with ramsons recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a healthy choice for any meal. Enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients and turn every meal into a special occasion!

 Ingredients: -300 g beans -1 carrot -3 cloves of garlic -3 bay leaves -salt -pepper -150 ml tomato juice -wild garlic (as much as I can hold in both hands, a small bunch) -50 ml oil