Boiled beans (according to Doina Varga's recipe)

Smoked beans with onion sauce - A delicious recipe, full of flavor and tradition

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (or 30 minutes in a pressure cooker)
Number of servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a hearty meal that brings back childhood memories? Smoked beans with onion sauce is not only a tasty dish but also one that connects us to ancient culinary traditions. This recipe, with deep roots in gastronomic culture, is perfect for chilly days or festive meals with loved ones. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 500 g dried white beans
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 potato (preferably a floury one)
- 7-8 cloves of garlic
- 3 large onions
- 1 small celery
- 200 g cherry tomatoes (optional, for decoration)
- 50 g tomato paste
- 50 g pepper ketchup
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for decoration

Preparing the beans

1. Soak the beans: Start by soaking the white beans the night before. This process not only reduces cooking time but also helps improve their digestibility.

2. Wash and boil: The next day, drain the beans, rinse them under cold water, and place them in a large pot with water and salt. Add the cleaned vegetables: carrots, potato, celery, two slices of red pepper, and two whole onions. Let it boil for 1 hour over medium heat or, if using a pressure cooker, only 30 minutes.

Preparing the onion sauce

3. Sauté the onions: In a pan, clean and finely chop the other onions. Heat the oil and add the chopped onions to sauté. Add the diced red pepper, a tablespoon of ketchup, salt, pepper, and 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Sauté everything until the onions become golden and soft.

4. Drain the oil: Once the onions are ready, drain the oil into a cup for later use.

Assembling the dish

5. Mash the beans: Once the beans are cooked, remove all the vegetables from the broth (except for the potato). Mash the beans until they become a thick puree. This step is crucial as it will give the dish a creamy texture.

6. Combine the ingredients: In a pot, mix the bean puree with the grated garlic, the oil in which the onions were sautéed, the remaining tomato paste, and the rest of the ketchup. Mix until well combined and taste to adjust salt and pepper.

Serving

7. Presentation: Place the dish in deep plates, cover with the sautéed onion sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, you can add a few sliced cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and freshness.

8. Serving suggestions: This smoked bean dish pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad or assorted pickles alongside a slice of fresh bread. Additionally, a cup of red wine or herbal tea can perfectly complement the meal.

Practical tips

- Beans: Choose quality beans, and if you want to save time, you can opt for canned beans, but this will require fewer spices and will have a different texture.

- Vegetables: You can add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or pumpkin, to vary the taste and enrich the dish.

- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can replace the oil with olive oil for a more pronounced flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They are ideal for vegans and vegetarians, contributing to a healthy diet. Additionally, the vegetables provide an extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and spices, as canned beans are already cooked.

- Why should I use fresh garlic? Fresh garlic adds an intense and healthy flavor to the dish. You can also use garlic powder, but the aroma will not be as strong.

- What can I do with leftovers? Smoked beans can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated. You can also turn them into filling for pies or tacos.

This smoked bean recipe with onion sauce is not just a meal, but an experience. I encourage you to try it and share it with your loved ones, bringing a part of our culinary traditions into your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!