Boiled beans

Romanian Style Beans: A Lenten Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 2-3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Romanian style beans is a traditional recipe, perfect for fasting days and for those moments when you want to enjoy a healthy and delicious dish. This simple yet flavorful recipe will delight your taste buds and remind you of hearty family meals.

Ingredients:

- 500 g beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 250 ml sunflower or olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 large onions
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Beans:
- In the evening, soak the beans in cold water, enough to cover them completely. Let them soak overnight. This step will reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.
- The next day, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. Then, place them in a large pot and cover them with fresh water. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor. Boil the beans over medium heat for 2-3 hours, or until they become soft.

2. Bean Paste:
- After the beans are cooked, drain them from the cooking water and transfer them to a large bowl. Using a blender or potato masher, mash the beans until you achieve a smooth puree.
- Gradually incorporate the oil, mixing continuously. Add salt to taste. The puree should be creamy and velvety, so feel free to adjust the oil to achieve the desired texture.

3. Fried Onion:
- In a pan, add 100 ml of the remaining oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and fry it until golden and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the last minutes of frying, add the sweet paprika and mix well. This will give a special flavor and vibrant color to your dish.

4. Assembly:
- Serve the bean puree on a platter, topping it with the fried onions and the remaining flavored oil. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical Tips:

- Beans: You can use any type of beans you like, but white or yellow beans are ideal for this recipe.
- Oil: Olive oil provides a more intense flavor, while sunflower oil is more neutral. Choose the one you prefer.
- Variations: You can also add a few cloves of garlic to the bean puree for a more pronounced taste. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices, such as cumin or cayenne pepper, to add a touch of heat.

Serving:
The Romanian style beans can be served warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside pickles or fresh bread. This versatile dish can easily be integrated into daily meals as well as special occasions.

Enjoy this traditional Romanian recipe that will not only satisfy you but also bring back beautiful memories of moments spent with loved ones. Bon appétit!