Mashed beans

Mashed beans - A delicious recipe from the heart of Romanian traditions

Mashed beans, or beaten beans, is a simple yet flavorful dish that has delighted generations. Whether served hot or cold, this recipe brings an authentic and comforting taste, perfect for any meal. With a rich history and growing popularity, mashed beans are a true symbol of Romanian cuisine. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy, step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g Romanian white beans
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 large onions
- 2 large winter carrots
- 1 teaspoon of hot pepper paste (sambal)
- 1 small can of tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Water

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the beans:
- Wash the white beans well and remove impurities or damaged beans. This step ensures clean and tasty beans.
- Place the beans in a bowl with cold water and let them soak overnight. This will reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.

2. Boiling the beans:
- The next day, drain the water in which the beans soaked and rinse them with fresh cold water.
- Put the beans in a pot with clean water to boil. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.
- Once the beans have boiled a few times, drain the water and add the boiling water from the separate pot. This way, the beans will cook evenly, and the flavor will be enhanced.
- Add the 2 peeled carrots cut in half, as well as the 2 whole garlic cloves. These will give a delicious aroma to the dish.
- Let the beans boil under a lid for about 2 hours, or until the beans become tender.

3. Mashing the beans:
- Once the beans are cooked, drain the water (do not throw it away, you will use it later) and transfer the beans to a large bowl.
- Use a potato masher or a mixer to mash the beans until they become a fine paste. You can adjust the consistency according to your preferences: smoother or more rustic.

4. Preparing the sauce:
- In a separate pot, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over low heat. Add the finely chopped onions and the crushed garlic cloves. Stir constantly to prevent the onions from burning, until they become translucent and soft.
- Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the mashed beans, along with the reserved cooking water, hot pepper paste, and tomato paste.
- Mix well and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, until all the flavors blend together. Adjust the taste with salt, considering your personal preferences.

5. Serving:
- Mashed beans can be served hot or cold. A delicious option is to serve it on a slice of fresh bread, alongside pickles or roasted peppers. This adds a touch of freshness and texture to the dish.
- Personally, I enjoy savoring it cold, on bread, with some crunchy pickles. Additionally, a delicious combination is to serve it with smoked sausage fried in butter, for a perfect contrast of intense flavors.

Useful tips:
- If you want a finer texture, you can use an immersion blender to mix the beans. This way, you get a more homogeneous paste.
- I recommend adding various spices, such as pepper or sweet paprika, to diversify the flavors.
- Mashed beans can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it ideal for meal prep in advance.

Nutritional information:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. They are a healthy food that can help maintain a balanced diet. A serving of mashed beans provides approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of bean?
- Of course! Although white beans are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with red or black beans, and the result will be just as delicious.

2. How can I make the beans spicier?
- Add more hot pepper paste or even some chopped fresh chili, according to your preferences.

3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, the mashed bean recipe is vegetarian and can easily be adapted for vegans by replacing dairy products.

Falling in love with the authentic taste of mashed beans, this recipe will not only pamper your taste buds but also bring you closer to Romanian culinary traditions. Try it and enjoy a simple yet extremely delicious dish!

 Ingredients: about 500 g of Romanian white beans, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 large onions, 2 large winter carrots, 1 teaspoon of chili paste (sambal), 1 small can of tomato paste, salt to taste, water

 Tags:  bean garlic carrots mashed beans