Mashed beans

Beaten Beans - A Traditional Delicacy

Beaten beans is a classic dish, rich in flavors and textures, combining tradition with savory taste. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary story that brings to mind Sunday dinners spent with family and friends. Preparing beaten beans is an art, and I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, worthy of any festive table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
- 500 g white beans (preferably dried beans)
- 2 onions (one for cooking, another for adding to the bean paste)
- 1 carrot
- 100 g celery
- 200 ml oil (sunflower or olive, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple)
- Salt, to taste
- 200 ml quality tomato puree

Start your culinary adventure:

1. Preparing the beans:
- Start by soaking the beans about 3 hours before cooking. This step is essential to shorten the cooking time and achieve a finer texture.
- After the beans have soaked, rinse them well under cold water and place them in a pot with water. Add the carrot and celery to provide a more complex flavor to the dish.
- Boil the beans over medium heat until they become soft, approximately 40-50 minutes. Make sure to check the beans from time to time, adding water if necessary.

2. Mashing:
- Once the beans are cooked, drain the excess water, but keep a cup of the cooking liquid. This will be used to adjust the consistency of the bean paste.
- Remove the carrot and celery, then mash the beans using a blender or a potato masher. Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid until you achieve a creamy texture, but not too runny.

3. Adding the ingredients:
- When the bean paste cools slightly, add the oil, vinegar, and finely chopped onion. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients. Taste and add salt to your preference.

4. Preparing the sauce:
- In a saucepan, sauté the remaining onion in 3-4 tablespoons of oil until golden. Add the tomato puree and let it simmer for a few minutes. This sauce will add a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish.

5. Assembly and cooling:
- Place the bean paste in a bowl and cover it with the tomato sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the dish cool for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

Useful tips:
- Types of beans: You can experiment with different types of beans, such as red or black beans, to create interesting variations of this dish.
- Variations: If you like a spicy note, you can add some chopped chili pepper to the bean paste or sauce.
- Serving: Beaten beans are usually served with fresh bread or pita, but you can also pair them with fresh vegetables, pickles, or olives. They are perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside a main course.

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a filling and healthy food, ideal for vegetarians and vegans. They contribute to digestive health and help maintain optimal weight.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if the beans are not soft after boiling? If the beans are not soft, add more water and continue boiling. Make sure you soaked the beans sufficiently before cooking.
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, you can use canned beans to save time, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt and preservatives.
- How can I make beaten beans more interesting? Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the flavor.

Beaten beans is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be adapted to your preferences. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its authentic taste! Don't hesitate to experiment with ingredients and flavors, transforming this classic dish into a personalized delicacy. Enjoy your meal!