Mashed beans
Mashed beans – a traditional Romanian delicacy
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Mashed beans is a simple and hearty dish, perfect for a family meal or to impress friends at a party. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows for experimentation with flavors and ingredients. Here’s how to achieve a perfect result, step by step.
Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans, washed and free of impurities
- 1 l water (for the first boil)
- 2 l water (for further boiling)
- 1 carrot
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 onions
- 1-2 heads of garlic (depending on preference)
- 100-150 ml sunflower oil or olive oil
- Salt to taste
Step 1: Preparing the beans
Start by placing the beans in 1 liter of water and bringing it to a boil. This first boil helps eliminate impurities and substances that can cause digestive discomfort.
Step 2: Boiling the beans
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the remaining water (2 liters) to a boil. After the beans have boiled for 5-10 minutes, drain them and add them to the pot with hot water. Also add the peeled carrot cut into large pieces and the bay leaf. Simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours, or until the beans become very soft. If you notice that the water decreases too much, you can add a little hot water to maintain consistency.
Step 3: Preparing the onions
In the meantime, finely chop the onion and sauté it in 100 ml of oil over medium heat until it becomes golden, being careful not to burn it. This will add a deep and aromatic flavor to your dish.
Step 4: Mashing the beans
When the beans are cooked, drain them and keep a little of the cooking water. Use an immersion blender to mash the beans until they become a fine paste. If you desire a creamier texture, add a ladle of the reserved cooking water.
Step 5: Flavoring
In the bean paste, add 3/4 of the sautéed onion, crushed garlic (depending on how strong you want the flavor), and salt to taste. Mix well to integrate the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Step 6: Serving
Transfer the mashed beans to a plate and garnish with the remaining sautéed onion. It is delicious served alongside a pickled salad or fresh bread.
Practical tips:
- You can add a few slices of hot pepper to the mashed beans for an extra kick.
- An interesting variation is to add some finely chopped black olives for a Mediterranean taste.
- If you prefer a less fine texture, you can leave a few whole beans in the mixture.
Mashed beans is a simple yet extremely versatile recipe. Make it special by adding your favorite ingredients and enjoy a traditional dish full of flavor!
Ingredients: 500 g dried beans, washed and free of impurities, 1 l of water + 2 l of water, 1 carrot, 1 bay leaf, 3 onions, 1-2 heads of garlic, 100-150 ml of oil, salt to taste
