Bean spread

Bean Caviar - A Fall Delicacy

Dear friends, today I invite you to delve into the savory universe of caviar, an emblematic dish that brings together flavors and aromas reminiscent of joyful and warm autumn meals. Caviar is more than just a simple dish; it is a tradition, a symbol of the cold season when fresh vegetables are preserved to bring us joy on chilly days. Whether it is made with eggplant, mushrooms, or, as we will do today, with beans, each recipe has its own charm. So, let’s get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 jars of 400 g

Ingredients
- 1 kg beans (fresh or dried)
- 3 kg bell peppers (sweet green peppers)
- 1 kg onions
- 1 kg carrots
- 1 l tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- ½ l oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 3 bay leaves
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 crushed aspirin (for preservation)

Necessary Utensils
- A large pot or saucepan
- An oven
- A food processor or blender
- Sterilized jars (8 jars of 400 g)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- A large bowl for draining the beans

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Beans
If you are using dried beans, make sure to soak them in cold water the night before cooking. This will reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest. If you have fresh beans, shell and wash them, then boil them in a pot of water. In my case, I used a pressure cooker, which is ideal for speeding up the cooking process. Boil the beans for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft but not mushy. Once boiled, drain the beans, keeping some whole, and mash the rest with the food processor.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
Once you are done with the beans, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Peel the onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Chop the onions finely, and dice the bell peppers and carrots. Boil the carrots separately in salted water until they become soft. Then, add them to the food processor along with the mashed beans.

Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and the bell peppers start to soften. After sautéing, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Here, the magic will happen! Let the vegetables bake for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Adding the Final Ingredients
After 2 hours, remove the pot from the oven and add the mashed beans, whole beans, boiled carrots, tomato puree, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix all the ingredients well, then cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and put it back in the oven. Let it cook for another 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If you notice that the caviar becomes too dry, add a few tablespoons of water.

Step 5: Sterilizing the Jars
In the meantime, prepare the jars. Wash them well and lay them down on the stove to sterilize. The heat from the oven will help warm them up and make them sterile.

Step 6: Bottling the Caviar
Once the caviar is ready and the oil has risen to the top, remove the pot from the oven. Add the crushed aspirin to each jar before pouring in the hot caviar. Fill the jars to the brim, then seal them tightly with lids. Wrap them in a blanket to cool slowly. This way, the caviar will be well preserved.

Serving Suggestions
Caviar is delicious served on slices of dark or rye bread, alongside cottage cheese or a slice of smoked sausage. You can also enjoy it with a fresh summer salad for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips and Tricks
1. Choosing Ingredients: Choose fresh, quality vegetables. The taste of the caviar will largely depend on them. Never underestimate the power of fresh ingredients!
2. Spicy Version: If you like your food spicier, you can add hot peppers or peppercorns.
3. Caviar without Oil: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of oil or steam it.
4. Creativity: There are countless variations of caviar! You can replace the beans with eggplant or mushrooms to create a varied and interesting caviar.

Nutritional Values
Bean caviar is an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is ideal for vegetarians and vegans, with a moderate caloric intake that varies depending on the amount of oil used. A 100 g serving of caviar contains approximately 100-150 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned beans?: It is recommended to use fresh or dried beans. Canned beans may alter the texture of the caviar.
- How can I keep caviar longer?: The aspirin in the jars helps with preservation, but make sure the jars are tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.
- Can it be frozen?: Yes, caviar can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly. You can put it in airtight containers and use it in the coming months.

So, dear friends, with a lot of patience and a little effort, you will create a delicious caviar that will delight the taste buds of family and friends. Enjoy every moment of preparing this delicacy, for each jar of caviar is a piece of love and tradition. Enjoy your meal!