Mashed beans

Mashed beans: a delicious traditional recipe

Total preparation time: 4 hours and 15 minutes (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Mashed beans is a traditional Romanian dish, perfect for enjoying on toasted bread or as a side dish for various meals. This simple and quick recipe will bring an authentic taste to your kitchen. Let’s see how to make delicious mashed beans, step by step.

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g dried beans (preferably white or large beans for a creamy texture)
- 2 medium onions (one white and one red for a more complex flavor)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower oil or extra virgin olive oil works well)
- One head of garlic (preferably fresh)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the beans
The first essential step in making mashed beans is choosing and preparing the main ingredient. Select the beans, removing any impurities or damaged beans. Rinse the beans well under running water, then place them in a bowl with warm water. Let them soak for 3-4 hours. This process will help reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.

Step 2: Boiling the beans
After the beans have soaked, drain them and rinse them again. Then, boil them in fresh water. It is recommended to boil the beans in 3 different waters to eliminate substances that can cause digestive discomfort. Therefore, boil the beans for about 10-15 minutes, drain the water, add fresh water, and repeat the process twice. Finally, let the beans boil in clean water until they become very soft (about 30-40 minutes).

Step 3: Preparing the flavors
While the beans are boiling, you can prepare the onion and garlic. Peel the onions and chop them finely. In a pan, heat the oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes translucent. Then, add the finely chopped (or crushed) garlic and let it sauté with the onion for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Blending
Once the beans are well boiled, drain them and add them to the pan over the onion and garlic. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to mash the beans together with the flavors from the pan. If you prefer a smoother preparation, you can add a few tablespoons of the boiling water or oil during blending to achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Serving
Mashed beans are delicious served warm, alongside toasted bread. You can top it with some freshly chopped parsley for an extra splash of color and flavor. An interesting variation is to serve the mashed beans with a few slices of fresh tomatoes or pickles, to add a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Personal suggestion: Try adding a tablespoon of tahini paste to the mashed bean mixture for a more complex flavor and creamy texture. This variation will add a surprising and healthy element to your dish.

This mashed bean recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch, it will surely delight both family and friends. Enjoy your meal!