Mashed beans with meatballs

Mashed beans with meatballs – A traditional recipe full of flavor

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Mashed beans with meatballs is a classic dish often found at family meals, bringing a unique taste and pleasant memories. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, being an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Additionally, it is a great choice for vegans if we substitute the meatballs with a vegetable or tofu variant. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this dish!

Ingredients

For mashed beans:
- 500 g dried beans
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 3 onions (1 for boiling, 2 for sautéing)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 50 ml ketchup
- 50 ml tomato paste
- 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme to taste
- 180 ml oil (for cooking)

For meatballs:
- 350 g minced meat (pork or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 raw egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 bunch of dill and parsley (chopped)
- Diced red bell pepper (optional)

Step by step – Preparing the mashed beans

1. Preparing the beans: Start by soaking the beans in cold water a few hours before cooking. This step is essential to reduce boiling time and achieve more digestible beans.

2. Boiling the beans: After soaking, drain and rinse the beans well. Then, place them in a large pot with 2 liters of cold water and add a little salt. Bring to a boil, then strain the beans, rinse them again, and place them in a pot with 4 liters of boiling water.

3. Adding the vegetables: Skim off the foam that forms on the surface, then add the sliced carrots, 1 whole onion, parsnip, bay leaves, and one bouillon cube. Simmer on low heat with a lid for about 90 minutes or until the beans are tender. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time to about 30-40 minutes.

Preparing the meatballs

4. Meatball mixture: In a bowl, combine the minced meat with the raw egg, breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, diced red bell pepper, salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the grated garlic. Mix well to homogenize the composition.

5. Forming the meatballs: Wet your hands or grease them with a little oil and shape elongated meatballs, placing them on a damp wooden board. Coat them in flour, then fry them in 150 ml of hot oil in a non-stick pan until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Finalizing the dish

6. Onion sauce: Finely chop the other 2 onions and sauté them in the remaining oil from the pan. Add the finely chopped red bell pepper, ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, and 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let it sauté until the onion becomes soft and the sauce thickens.

7. Mashed beans: Once the beans are cooked, remove the vegetables from the broth, strain the beans, and let them drain. With the remaining vegetables and broth, you can prepare a delicious soup. In a pot, mix the remaining garlic, 50 ml of the oil in which the meatballs were fried, tomato paste, the rest of the ketchup, and the other bouillon cube. Add the beans and mix well. If necessary, add a little broth from the boiled beans and a few tablespoons of oil. Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.

Serving

8. Plating: On each plate, place 2-3 meatballs, add the mashed beans on top, and garnish with sautéed onions. Finish with a little fresh greenery for a pleasant appearance and unmistakable aroma.

Useful tips

- Variations: If you want a lighter version of the meatballs, try baking them in the oven, thus reducing the amount of oil used.
- Pairings: Mashed beans go perfectly with pickles or fresh vegetable salads to add a note of freshness.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use. Cooking will be much quicker.
- How can I store the mashed beans? You can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for later use.

Nutritional benefits

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and B vitamins, contributing to maintaining a healthy digestive system. They are also low in fat, making them a good choice for a balanced diet. Minced meat adds additional protein, while the vegetables provide a variety of essential nutrients.

This recipe is not just a simple dish but a culinary experience that brings together tradition and innovation. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a gathering with friends, mashed beans with meatballs will delight everyone. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g dried beans, 350 g minced pork (or a mix of beef and pork), 1 raw egg, 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip, 3 onions, 1 head of garlic, 1 red bell pepper, 50 ml ketchup and red peppers, 50 ml broth, 1 bunch of dill and parsley, 180 ml oil, 2 cubes smoked bacon concentrate, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, 2-3 bay leaves.