Mashed beans for fasting
Beaten Bean Dish for Lent – Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Beaten beans are a traditional Romanian dish, perfect for fasting days or for a light and nutritious meal. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, full of flavor and taste. It is a simple preparation but with a refined taste that will surely bring a smile to your loved ones.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 500 g white beans
- 2 large onions
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 tablespoon of homemade tomato paste
- 1 parsley
- 1 tablespoon of margarine
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- A little dried tarragon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Start by preparing the beans. Soak the white beans in a bowl of cold water the day before. This step is essential as soaking helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the beans.
2. The next day, drain the beans and wash them well. Remove any impurities, then rub the beans by hand to remove the skins. This simple technique will ensure a smooth and creamy paste in the end.
3. Place the cleaned beans in a pot, add a whole onion, the parsley cut in half, and a little salt. Boil the beans on low heat so that they cook evenly. This step will take about 45 minutes, but it is important to check from time to time if the beans are cooked.
4. Once the beans are boiled, remove the parsley and onion. Let the beans cool slightly, then mash them well with a fork or use a food processor to obtain a fine paste.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the beans well with the crushed garlic, dried tarragon, and margarine. Here you can add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the spices to achieve the desired flavor.
6. In a pan, heat the oil and add the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the tomato paste. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. This will add a rich flavor and a beautiful color to your dish.
7. Finally, combine the onion sauce with the bean paste and mix well to incorporate all the flavors. You can serve the beaten beans hot or cold, on a slice of homemade bread, alongside pickles for a delicious contrast.
Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few bay leaves while boiling the beans.
- Replace margarine with olive oil for a vegan and healthier option.
- You can also add other spices, such as sweet paprika or chili, to give the dish a little kick.
Personal notes:
This recipe for beaten beans during Lent is a true delight and a pleasant childhood memory, thanks to the dear lady who shared these culinary secrets with me. I warmly recommend serving it alongside a fresh tomato and olive salad for a perfect lunch. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: about 500 g white beans, two large onions, one tablespoon of oil, a little dried tarragon, one tablespoon of homemade broth, one parsnip, one tablespoon of margarine, 4-5 cloves of garlic
