Yellow pea paste

Yellow Bean Paste – A Vegetable Delight for Summer Days

When cooking becomes an art, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a delicious dish. Yellow bean paste is a simple yet special recipe that transforms fresh vegetables into a delicacy you can enjoy on a slice of warm bread or on crunchy slices of bell pepper. This recipe is not only a great way to use yellow beans, but also an opportunity to savor the natural flavors of vegetables. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg fresh yellow beans
- 3 medium carrots
- 3 large onions
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon vegetable concentrate
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sweet or hot paprika (optional)
- Juice of one lemon
- 50 ml olive oil or vegetable oil
- (Optional) 2-3 tablespoons of slightly sour mayonnaise for a creamy taste

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for boiling the vegetables
- Strainer
- Hand blender or food processor
- Spatula
- Large mixing bowl

Step by step

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by trimming the ends of the yellow beans. Rinse them well under cold running water. Next, peel the carrots and onions. Cut the carrots into thick slices and the onions into large cubes. They will cook together, so there's no need to worry too much about appearance.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
Place all the vegetables (beans, carrots, and onions) in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of vegetable concentrate to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. Draining the vegetables:
Once the vegetables are cooked, drain them well in a strainer and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is essential to avoid a watery paste.

4. Making the vegetable paste:
Transfer the vegetables to the hand blender or food processor. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth paste. Here I recommend being patient and not rushing. A well-blended paste will have a creamy and pleasant texture.

5. Flavoring the paste:
While the blender is running, drizzle in the oil to incorporate the fat into the paste. Then, add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, as well as the pressed garlic if you desire a stronger note. Mix everything well.

6. Variations and suggestions:
Here comes a personal trick! If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of slightly sour mayonnaise. This ingredient adds extra flavor and creaminess to the paste. Mix well and taste to see if more seasoning is needed.

7. Serving:
The yellow bean paste is served cold, so it’s best to let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before consuming. You can garnish with sweet or hot paprika, as preferred. Serve it on fresh bread slices or large slices of bell pepper, alongside a fresh tomato salad for a perfect summer lunch.

Nutritional benefits

Yellow bean paste is not only tasty but also healthy! Yellow beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, making them excellent for digestion. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, and garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe is an excellent option for a light meal or a healthy snack.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen beans?
Yes, you can use frozen beans, but it’s best to thaw them before cooking.

2. How can I store the paste?
The paste can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can use it on bread, in sandwiches, or as a side dish.

3. What other recipes can it be combined with?
This paste pairs perfectly with grilled meats or fish dishes. It can also be a delicious accompaniment to cheese platters.

4. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegans, as long as you avoid traditional mayonnaise and opt for a plant-based one.

5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can experiment with zucchini or spinach to vary the taste and texture of the paste.

Personal note

This yellow bean paste recipe reminds me of warm summer days spent in the garden, where fresh vegetables were the order of the day. Every meal was a celebration of flavors, and each ingredient was carefully chosen. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touch to this recipe! Enjoy every bite and have fun cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 kg yellow beans, 3 carrots, 3 onions, 5-6 cloves of garlic, vegetable concentrate, pepper, sweet and hot paprika (optional), juice of lemon, 50 ml oil

 Tags:  bean paste pods vegetable food