Mashed Beans

Choosing the beans is an essential step in preparing this delicious dish, so make sure to select quality beans without defects. After washing them well under cold running water, it is recommended to soak them overnight to hydrate properly. If you do not have a pressure cooker, another way to cook them is to boil them in boiling water, but this process will take longer. If you have a kukta, you will notice that the beans will cook much faster. Therefore, put the beans in the pot together with the carrot sliced into rounds, the parsley tied with a thread, a whole onion, three cloves of garlic left whole, a tablespoon of salt, and two bay leaves. All these ingredients will give a special flavor to the beans. Cook everything for about 40 minutes, after which strain the beans, keeping the cooking liquid to use later.

After removing the boiled vegetables, put the beans in a large bowl and, using a masher, crush the beans until you get a smooth paste. Add a little of the bean cooking liquid to thin the mixture so that it is easier to spread. Use a sieve and a wooden spoon to mash the bean pulp, leaving the skins in the sieve. This process will ensure a fine and pleasant texture of the dish. If you notice that it is too thick, do not hesitate to add more cooking liquid.

In a frying pan, heat about 150 ml of oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add a tablespoon of sweet paprika, stirring well to combine the flavors. Finally, add the mashed beans and mix everything, leaving the dish on the heat for a few minutes so that the flavors blend together. Check the taste and adjust with salt if necessary. If you wish, you can also add a few crushed garlic cloves, letting everything simmer for a few minutes to intensify the flavor.

For serving, this dish pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, pickles, or roasted peppers, making it an excellent choice for a fasting meal. It is also delicious alongside smoked sausages or meatballs, providing versatility that makes it ideal for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!