Bean spread with chickpeas and roasted peppers

Bean and Chickpea Caviar with Roasted Peppers - A Quick and Delicious Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and savory recipe, bean and chickpea caviar with roasted peppers is the perfect choice! This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Zacusca, a traditional dish, has won the hearts of many over time, and this version with beans and chickpeas offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:

- 500 g onion
- 200 ml oil
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cans of 420 g white beans
- 1 can of 420 g red beans
- 1 can of 400 g chickpeas
- 750 g roasted Kapia peppers, peeled and seeded
- 600 g whole tomatoes, canned in their own juice
- Two bay leaves
- A few black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A little dried thyme
- A little dried marjoram

Step-by-step preparation of the caviar:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion, washing it well, and chopping it finely. It is important to use fresh onion, as it will give a richer taste to your caviar.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a heaping teaspoon of salt. Sauté the onion, stirring constantly, until it becomes golden and translucent. This will take about 5-7 minutes. A good sauté of the onion is essential for a flavorful base.

3. Adding the beans and chickpeas: Open the cans of beans and chickpeas, adding them to the skillet along with the liquid from the cans. Mix well and keep the heat medium, allowing the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces, stirring occasionally. This step may take about 10-15 minutes.

4. Preparing the peppers and tomatoes: While the bean mixture is simmering, place the roasted peppers and tomatoes in a food processor. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste. The flavors will combine perfectly and will add a special flavor to your caviar.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add the pepper and tomato paste to the bean mixture. Add two bay leaves, a few black peppercorns, and a teaspoon of sweet paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Let the caviar simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 20-25 minutes.

6. Final seasoning: At the end, add a little dried thyme and dried marjoram. These herbs will add a note of freshness and complexity to your caviar. Adjust salt to taste.

7. Preserving the caviar: Fill clean and sterilized jars with hot caviar, leaving a small space at the top. Seal the jars with lids. Place the jars in a tray with warm water and put them in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 minutes. This will help seal the jars and preserve the flavors.

8. Cooling: After the baking time, let the jars cool in the oven or wrapped in a blanket. Once they have completely cooled, you can store them in the pantry or refrigerator to enjoy later.

Serving suggestions: Bean and chickpea caviar with roasted peppers pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. You can also add some olives or feta cheese for an extra flavor boost. It’s wonderful as an appetizer, alongside a glass of white or red wine.

Nutritional information: This recipe is rich in protein due to the beans and chickpeas, with a low-calorie content, making it a healthy choice in balanced diets. A serving of 100 g of caviar contains approximately 150 calories, 7 g of protein, 10 g of healthy fats, and 15 g of carbohydrates.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried beans, but make sure to boil and prepare them in advance, as the process takes longer.

- How can I modify the recipe? You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to give it more consistency and nutrients. You can also experiment with different spices, such as oregano or basil.

- Can the caviar be frozen? Yes, the caviar can be frozen. Make sure to store it in airtight containers to avoid excessive freezing of the water.

This bean and chickpea caviar with roasted peppers recipe is not just a delicious option but also an excellent way to enjoy vegetables and plant-based proteins. Try it and enjoy its savory taste with your loved ones!