Mashed beans (facaluita)

Mashed Beans (Făcăluită) – A traditional recipe full of flavor and comfort

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting dish full of aroma? Mashed beans, also known as făcăluită, is a traditional dish that has gained popularity over time. This simple recipe is not only tasty but also an excellent source of protein and fiber, offering important nutritional benefits. Beans are an accessible ingredient, and the preparation method transforms them into a delight that can be enjoyed both as a main dish and as a side.

Before getting started, I want to share some useful information about the essential ingredients and the steps that will lead you to a perfect result.

Ingredients:

- 500 g dried beans
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 3 onions (preferably one white and two red)
- 1 potato
- 30 g celery
- 30 g zucchini
- 7-8 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 50 ml tomato ketchup
- 50 ml tomato paste
- a few sprigs of dill and parsley
- 30 ml oil
- 2 cubes of broth
- a few slices of smoked bacon (optional)
- salt, pepper, paprika, thyme to taste

Brief history

Mashed beans have their roots in traditional cuisine, being a dish enjoyed by many generations. Offering an intense flavor and creamy texture, it is often associated with family meals, symbolizing comfort and hospitality. Beans can be prepared in various ways, depending on the ingredients and cooking techniques, but the essence remains the same: a tasty dish that brings people together.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the beans: Start by soaking the beans in cold water a few hours before cooking. This will help rehydrate the beans and reduce cooking time.

2. Boiling the beans: After soaking, rinse the beans well, remove any damaged ones, and boil them in 2 liters of cold water, adding a little salt. When the water starts to boil, drain the beans, rinse them again and boil them again, this time in 4 liters of boiling water. This process will help remove impurities and achieve a cleaner taste.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the water has started boiling, skim off the foam from the surface, then add the chopped carrots, a whole onion, celery, zucchini, parsnip, and the potato cut into quarters. Also, add one cube of broth for extra flavor. Simmer on low heat with the lid on for about 90 minutes or until the beans are tender.

4. Quick cooking: If you want to save time, you can use a pressure cooker. This will significantly reduce cooking time.

5. Preparing the sauce: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the other onions. In a pan, add the oil and sauté the onion together with the finely chopped red pepper. Add a tablespoon of ketchup, salt, pepper, paprika, and 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let it sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent. After cooking, drain the oil into a cup, leaving only the vegetables.

6. Finalizing the dish: After the beans have boiled, remove the vegetables from the broth and drain the beans. Use the broth and remaining vegetables to prepare a delicious soup. In a pot, mix the grated garlic, the oil in which the onion was sautéed, the remaining tomato paste, the rest of the ketchup, and the other broth cube. Add the beans and blend everything with a hand mixer or blender until you achieve a creamy paste. If necessary, you can add a bit of the cooking broth and a few tablespoons of oil to adjust the consistency.

7. Seasoning: Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.

8. Serving: Serve the mashed beans on plates, garnished with sautéed onion on top and sprinkled with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and slices of boiled carrot. This can be enjoyed on its own or alongside fried sausages, meatballs, steak, or pork roast.

Useful tips

- For an intense flavor, you can also add smoked meat, such as a few slices of smoked bacon during the boiling of the beans.
- Variations: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as pumpkin or celery, to create a unique flavor. You can also add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a different taste.
- For a fresh touch, serve the dish alongside a green salad or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use canned beans?* Yes, but the cooking time will be greatly reduced. Rinse the canned beans and add them directly to the prepared sauce.
- *How can I store the mashed beans?* They can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. They help maintain digestive health and energy levels. Additionally, they are low in fat, making them ideal for a balanced diet.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Mashed beans is a dish that will warm your heart and make you feel at home, no matter where you are. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g dried beans, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip, 3 onions, 1 potato, 30 g celery, 30 g zucchini, 7-8 cloves of garlic, 1/2 red bell pepper, 50 ml tomato ketchup and red peppers, 50 ml broth, a few sprigs of dill and parsley, 30 ml oil, 2 cubes of smoked bacon concentrate, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme.