Mashed beans

Mashed beans – a rustic delicacy with an unmistakable flavor

Today, I invite you to discover a traditional recipe that combines authentic taste with a creamy and rich texture. Mashed beans, also known as "iahnie", are a perfect choice for a comforting meal full of flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also a versatile option that pairs perfectly with various dishes. So, let’s venture together into the world of flavors!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the boiled beans:
- 300 g beans (preferably white or large)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1-2 sprigs of tarragon
- Salt (to taste)

For the bean sauce:
- 200 g semi-smoked sausages
- 1 onion (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon water

For mashing the beans:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions (for flavor)
- 7-8 cloves of garlic
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the beans

Start by boiling the beans. Rinse the beans well and soak them for 2-3 hours if you have time. This step will reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Once the beans have soaked, place them in a large pot with water, add the peeled onion and carrot, left whole. Also, add the tarragon sprigs and a teaspoon of salt.

A helpful tip: boil the beans on high heat! This will help maintain the structure of the beans, preventing them from becoming too soft. Wait until the water starts to boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let the beans simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until tender. Check occasionally to avoid overcooking!

Step 2: Cooling and mashing the beans

Once the beans are boiled, drain them well and let them cool slightly. Discard the onion and carrot, then pass the beans through a meat grinder or use a blender to achieve a fine paste.

Now, add the olive oil and mix well. The flavor will become richer and creamier. Add salt and pepper to taste. For an even more intense flavor, finely chop the onion and garlic and add them to the bean mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce

In a frying pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the sausages cut into rounds and fry them until golden and crispy. Once fried, remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until it turns slightly golden, then add the tomato paste and a tablespoon of water. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens. Here, you can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato paste if desired.

Step 4: Assembling the dish

Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the mashed beans and mix well. Place the fried sausages on top and sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Serving suggestion:
Mashed beans are served cold, on a slice of fresh or toasted bread. It is delicious and can be accompanied by pickles or a green salad.

Variations and personal tricks

If you want to experiment, you can add spices like sweet or hot paprika for a spicier taste. Also, instead of sausages, you can use fried bacon or, for a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms.

Nutritional benefits

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them perfect for a healthy lifestyle. They help maintain digestive health and contribute to weight control. Additionally, they contain antioxidants and essential minerals like iron and magnesium.

Frequently asked questions

- How can I store mashed beans? Mashed beans keep well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Can I freeze it? While it is possible to freeze mashed beans, the texture may be affected. I recommend consuming it fresh for the best culinary experience.
- What drinks pair well with mashed beans? A light beer or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement the taste of the dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started! Mashed beans are a great choice for a family meal or a dinner with friends. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be inspired by the simple yet characterful flavors of this dish! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the boiled beans: 300 g of beans, one onion, one carrot. For the bean sauce: smoked sausages, one onion, one tablespoon of tomato paste, three tablespoons of oil, one tablespoon of water. For mashing the beans: 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, two onions, 7-8 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper.

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