Mashed beans (more commonly in Arabic)
Mashed beans with sautéed onion and sumac - a delicious and comforting recipe
Mashed beans is a dish that, although less popular in certain culinary cultures, manages to offer a rich taste and a creamy texture, perfect for any meal. This recipe combines traditional flavors with a touch of innovation, bringing together beans with sautéed onion and a splash of sumac for an explosion of flavors that will delight you.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Essential ingredients:
- 900 g of beans (preferably white or green)
- 1 large carrot
- 2 stalks of celery
- 4 medium-sized onions
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil (about 100 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 3 teaspoons of sumac
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the beans: Start by soaking the beans in cold water for 3-4 hours. This step is essential as it helps the beans soften, reducing cooking time and aiding digestion.
2. Boiling the beans: After the beans have soaked, drain the water and rinse the beans. Place them in a pot with fresh water and boil for 2-3 minutes. Discard this water and repeat the process to remove impurities. Then, add the chopped carrot, celery, bay leaves, and salt to taste. Simmer on low heat for 60 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
3. Bean paste: Once the beans are cooked, drain them, reserving a little of the cooking water. In a deep bowl, use an immersion blender to turn the beans into a paste. Gradually add the olive oil and, if the paste is too thick, add some of the reserved cooking water until you achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then add the crushed garlic.
4. Preparing the onions: In a skillet, sauté 2 sliced onions in olive oil until translucent. Add the tomato paste and a cup of water, allowing it to boil until the water reduces and the sauce thickens.
5. Assembling the dish: Chop the remaining 2 onions finely and mix them with the sumac. In a serving dish, place the mashed beans and top with the onion-tomato sauce and the sumac onions.
Serving and tips:
This mashed beans dish is best served warm, alongside warm flatbreads or fresh bread. You can add a fresh vegetable salad for a crunchy contrast. Also, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil at the end will enhance the flavors of the dish.
Variations and combinations:
- You can try adding some spices like cumin or paprika to customize the flavor.
- A delicious variation is to serve the mashed beans with assorted pickles, which add a pleasant and refreshing contrast.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade.
Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious and filling food. This recipe is ideal for vegetarians and vegans, being low in calories but rich in nutrients.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned beans?: Yes, but to preserve the authentic taste, it is recommended to use fresh beans.
- How can I store the mashed beans?: They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- What other dishes pair well with mashed beans?: They pair wonderfully with meat or fish dishes, but also with grilled vegetables or salads.
Mashed beans is not just a simple recipe, but one full of flavor and tradition, paying homage to simple yet delicious ingredients. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its aromas! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 900 g beans 1 carrot 2 sticks of celery 1 carrot olive oil 4 medium onions 5-6 cloves of garlic salt to taste freshly ground pepper to taste 3-4 bay leaves 3 tablespoons of tomato paste 3 teaspoons of sumac
