Mashed beans with caramelized onion
Mashed Beans with Caramelized Onions – A Delicious Vegan Recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Mashed beans are a classic recipe enjoyed in many cultures, known for being nutritious and full of flavor. This combination of beans with caramelized onions is not only an excellent choice for a vegan meal but also a comforting dish that offers an unforgettable taste. In this recipe, we will use simple yet flavorful ingredients, and the steps are easy to follow.
Necessary Ingredients
- 1 plate of dried beans (approximately 250g)
- 1 white onion
- 1 red onion
- 1 green onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste with peppers
- Salt (to taste)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- 1 medium carrot
- A small piece of celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- Oil (for sautéing)
- Water (for boiling)
- A little sugar (for caramelizing)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparing the Beans
1. Soak the beans: The night before making the recipe, soak the beans in cold water. This step will help the beans cook evenly and reduce cooking time.
2. Boil the beans: The next day, rinse the beans and place them in a pot with fresh water, ensuring the water covers the beans by about an inch. Boil the beans over medium heat, changing the water 2-3 times to eliminate toxins and reduce bloating. In the last water, add a little salt to season the beans.
3. Check the consistency: The beans are ready when they are soft but not mushy. Boiling time may vary, but it usually takes about 45 minutes.
Preparing the Vegetable Mixture
1. Chop the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, finely chop the white onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. These vegetables will add a special flavor to the dish.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet, heat a little oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become soft (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the tomato paste: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the tomato paste with peppers and mix well. Let it simmer together for 5 minutes, then add the dried thyme. This ingredient will give a pleasant aroma to the dish.
Combining the Ingredients
1. Mix the beans with the vegetables: After the beans are cooked, drain them and mix them with the vegetable mixture. At this stage, it’s important to let the mixture simmer together for a bit to blend the flavors (about 10 minutes).
2. Mash the beans: When the mixture is well combined, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to mash the beans. The goal is to achieve a smooth paste, but not too liquid. This is the essence of mashed beans.
Caramelizing the Onions
1. Prepare the onions: Slice the red onion into thin strips, and cut the green onion into long slices. This will add a contrast of texture and color to the dish.
2. Caramelize the onions: Heat a non-stick skillet and add a little oil. Add the red onion and sprinkle a pinch of sugar. Stir constantly until the onion turns golden and caramelized. This process will take about 10-15 minutes.
Serving the Dish
1. Assemble the dish: On a platter, place the mashed beans and top with the caramelized onions. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness.
2. Serving suggestions: This mashed bean dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or pickles. Additionally, warm homemade bread will complement the meal beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. They contribute to digestive health and help control blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but to maintain texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use dried beans. Canned beans can be added directly to the vegetable mixture without boiling.
- How can I vary the recipe? You can add spices like paprika or chili for a spicier flavor, or try different vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.
- What drinks pair well? A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this recipe.
Personal Note
Mashed beans with caramelized onions is not just a delicious dish, but also a childhood memory, a meal I enjoyed with my family on chilly days. I hope you have the chance to share it with your loved ones, savoring its flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: a plate of beans, 1 white onion, 1 red onion, 1 green onion, 1 clove of garlic, 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste with pepper, salt, dried thyme, water, oil, 1 carrot, a piece of celery and red pepper, green parsley, a little sugar.
