Bean dish

Bean Dish: A Culinary Journey into the Heart of Comfort

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a warm, comforting dish that evokes memories of family meals from childhood? Bean dish is a recipe that has crossed generations, being not only nourishing but also full of flavor. This simple yet delicious recipe uses accessible ingredients and easy-to-follow cooking techniques, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Basic Ingredients:

- 500 g beans (you can use white or red beans, depending on your preference)
- 2 onions (one for boiling, the other for sautéing)
- 1 carrot (for a sweet taste and vibrant color)
- 3 bay leaves (for aroma)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (for an intense flavor and beautiful color)
- A bunch of fresh dill (for added freshness)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing the onion)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pumpkin oil (for serving)
- Pickles (cucumbers, beets, or peppers) - optional, for a delicious contrast

Preparation:

1. Soak the beans: Start by washing the beans well under cold running water. Then, soak the beans in cold water for a few hours, ideally 6-8 hours. This step will help reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.

2. Boil the beans: After soaking, drain the water and rinse the beans again. In a large pot, add the beans, the peeled and quartered onion, and the peeled and halved carrot. Cover everything with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Make sure to check occasionally and add water if it evaporates. The beans are ready when they are tender and mushy (about an hour).

3. Prepare the sauce: In a separate pot, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion. After about 2 minutes, add the tomato paste and mix well. When the tomato paste starts to change color and thickens, turn off the heat.

4. Finish the dish: Once the beans are boiled, remove the carrot, onion, and bay leaves from the pot. Add the sautéed onion and tomato mixture to the pot with the beans, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the dill: While the dish is simmering, finely chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it over the beans. Stir gently, then turn off the heat and cover the pot to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

This bean dish is perfect with a drizzle of pumpkin oil, which adds an intense and aromatic flavor. You can serve it with pickles of cucumbers, beets, or peppers, which will provide an excellent contrast of textures and flavors. This combination will turn your meal into a true feast!

Practical Tips:

- Soaking the beans: If you're in a hurry and don't have time to soak the beans, you can opt for canned beans, but the taste won't be as authentic.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, to enrich the flavor of the dish. Additionally, for extra protein, you can add a few cubes of sausage or smoked bacon during boiling.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: Bean dish is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet. A serving has about 250 calories, depending on the additional ingredients added.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- What kind of beans should I use? You can use any type of beans, but white or red beans are the most common.
- How long can I store the bean dish? It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the bean dish can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezing containers.

Bean dish is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and comfort. Try this recipe at home and enjoy its flavors! Whether you savor it on a cold winter day or serve it at a meal with friends, bean dish will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.