Beans with pickled cucumbers

Beans with Pickled Cucumbers - A Tasty Vegan Delicacy

Beans with pickled cucumbers is a classic recipe that combines the simple flavor of vegetables with the freshness and acidity of pickled cucumbers. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it perfect for fasting days or for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet. Throughout history, beans have been a staple ingredient in many cultures, appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional richness.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g speckled beans
- 1 small onion
- 1 medium tomato
- 75 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- A pinch of dried basil
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- Pickled cucumbers (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Preparing the Beans
The first step in preparing this dish is selecting and cleaning the beans. Remove impurities and rinse them in warm water, changing the water several times. Soak the beans in warm water for 3-4 hours. This step is essential as it helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest.

Step 2: Cooking the Beans
After soaking, place the beans in a pot with warm water, adding a little salt. It is important to change the water 2-3 times, approximately every 20-25 minutes, using warm water to prevent the beans from hardening. Cook the beans until they are soft and easily mashable, a sign that they are ready.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
In a pan, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes transparent. This step will give the sauce a special flavor. While the onion is sautéing, you can prepare the sauce in a blender. Add the diced tomato, tomato paste, garlic cloves, remaining oil, dried basil, and sautéed onion. Blend everything until you obtain a smooth paste.

Step 4: Mixing the Ingredients
Once the beans are cooked, drain the water and add the previously prepared sauce. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finishing the Dish
Wash and finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the beans. Gently mix to avoid crushing the beans.

Step 6: Serving
Beans with pickled cucumbers are served warm, ideal as a main dish or as a side. For an extra flavor boost, you can add some sliced pickled cucumbers alongside the beans to contrast with their sweetness.

Serving suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with pork or beef sausages, but can also be enjoyed on its own, alongside a fresh green salad.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use canned beans, but be sure to rinse them well before use.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as white or red beans, to vary the flavor.
- Add a little chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a spicy note, if you like.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, with approximately 250 calories per serving. Beans are an excellent source of iron, making them ideal for a balanced diet, especially on fasting days. Pickled cucumbers add acidity, aiding digestion and providing freshness to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the recipe.
2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can try adding bell peppers, carrots, or even olives for a different taste.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a little chopped chili pepper to the tomato sauce.

This recipe for beans with pickled cucumbers is not just a simple dish but also a way to bring to the table a preparation full of flavor and health. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its unique flavors!