Mashed beans

Mashed beans with onion and tomato sauce

A classic, hearty dish full of flavors, mashed beans is a meal that combines tradition with taste pleasure. Easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for a family meal or to impress friends at a dinner. Discover with me how to prepare a delicious mashed bean dish that will bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to your plate.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 500 g beans (preferably white or kidney beans)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh or dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Peppercorns, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 large onions (plus 2 more for frying)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 300 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 100 g tomato paste
- Half a teaspoon of baking soda

Step by step: Preparing the mashed beans

Step 1: Preparing the beans
The first essential step in obtaining delicious mashed beans is choosing and preparing the beans. Choose beans with intact seeds, without signs of damage. Rinse the beans under cold running water and let them soak for a few hours (overnight is ideal). This step helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Step 2: Boiling the beans
After soaking, rinse the beans again. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of baking soda. This ingredient will help the beans cook faster and remain soft. Boil the beans for 10-15 minutes, then discard the boiling water. This step removes certain components that can cause digestive discomfort.

Fill the pot again with fresh water (about 1.5 liters) and add salt, peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, and the onion cut in half. Let the beans simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft (about 40-50 minutes). When the beans are ready, drain them, keeping a little of the cooking liquid.

Step 3: Preparing the bean puree
In a blender, add the boiled beans along with the boiled onion (which you can remove from the pot) and blend until you obtain a smooth paste. While blending, gradually add the oil and crushed garlic. If the puree is too thick, you can add a little of the hot bean liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Preparing the onion sauce
In a skillet, heat 30 ml of oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté over low heat until golden and translucent. Add the tomato paste and a pinch of salt, mixing well. This sauce will add a wonderful flavor and vibrant color to your dish.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
After the onion has sautéed, add the bean puree to the skillet. Mix well to allow the flavors to blend. Let the dish simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, so all the ingredients mix well.

Serving
Mashed beans are served warm, alongside fresh bread or polenta. You can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavor. This recipe pairs perfectly with pickles or a cabbage salad for a refreshing contrast.

Useful tips
- Baking soda: This is a useful ingredient not only for softening the beans but also for speeding up their cooking. Use it in moderation, as too much can affect the taste.
- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor.
- Beans: You can also use other types of beans, such as red or black beans, for a colorful version of this dish.

Nutritional benefits
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folic acid. They contribute to digestive health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions
- Why should I soak the beans? Soaking beans helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, you can use canned beans, but you will need to rinse them well and add them directly to the blender, skipping the boiling steps.
- How can I store mashed beans? You can store mashed beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for later use.

Conclusion
Mashed beans are a versatile dish that can be customized according to your preferences. Whether you choose to serve it plain or with various sides, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your chef's apron and let's enjoy the simple yet delicious flavors of mashed beans! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g beans, green thyme, salt, peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 2 onions plus 2 more onions for frying, 2 cloves of garlic, 300 ml oil, 100 g tomato paste, half a teaspoon of baking soda

 Tags:  mashed beans