Mashed beans (Pasula slaita in Banat dialect)

Mashed Beans with Vegetables and Delicate Flavors

Today I present you a classic and comforting recipe for mashed beans, a dish that evokes family meals filled with goodness and stories. This recipe for mashed beans, or as we say, "made by mom," is enhanced with fresh and aromatic ingredients to create a tasty and healthy dish that will make you lick your fingers!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g large dry beans
- 200 ml sunflower oil or olive oil
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 leek
- 2 medium onions
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and vegetable seasoning to taste
- 1 yellow bell pepper

Brief history of the recipe

Mashed beans are a traditional dish in many cultures, with deep roots in rural kitchens. This simple yet flavorful dish has been cooked for generations, appreciated for its rich taste and versatility. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish, perfect for fasting meals or for those seeking a hearty vegetarian option.

Preparation method

1. Preparing the beans:
- Start by washing the beans well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities.
- Soak the beans in cold water, preferably overnight. This will reduce the cooking time and help the beans become more digestible.

2. Boiling the beans:
- The next day, drain the water in which the beans soaked and place them in a pot with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 10-15 minutes, then change the water again. This procedure helps to eliminate substances that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Add bay leaves, salt, vegetable seasoning, thyme, and a finely chopped onion to the water. Let the beans simmer on low heat until completely softened, about 45-60 minutes.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
- Meanwhile, peel the carrots, parsley root, leek, and bell pepper. Wash them well and cut them into small cubes.
- When the beans are half-cooked, add the chopped vegetables and continue to boil everything together until the beans are soft.

4. Creating the mashed bean base:
- In a frying pan, heat 100 ml of oil. Add half of the remaining onion (finely chopped) and crushed garlic. Sauté on low heat until golden and fragrant.
- Add the onion and garlic mixture over the boiled beans and let it simmer together for another 5-10 minutes. This step will enhance the flavors of the dish.

5. Mashing the beans:
- After the beans are well cooked, drain the broth, keeping a few tablespoons to adjust the consistency later. Use a whisk or a mixer to mash the beans, gradually adding some of the reserved liquid until you achieve a smooth and creamy paste. You can also add a boiled potato to bind the mixture better.

6. Finalizing:
- Finally, fry the remaining onion in the leftover oil and add paprika. This combination will add a special flavor to the dish.
- Serve the mashed beans warm, with a spoonful of the onion and paprika oil on top. You can also add fresh dill for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving suggestions

Mashed beans are delicious alongside assorted pickles, a salad of seasonal vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can accompany the dish with a slice of homemade bread or toasted bread. An excellent drink combination to complement the meal would be a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade.

Useful tips

- Variations and adjustments: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to change the flavor a bit. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander to give the dish an exotic note.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. A medium serving of mashed beans contains about 250-300 calories, making it a filling and healthy choice for any meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Why do you change the water for the beans?
Changing the water helps to eliminate compounds that can cause digestive discomfort and reduces cooking time.

- Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but it is recommended to choose beans without additives. Also, the preparation will be much quicker, but the taste may be different.

- How can I store mashed beans?
You can store mashed beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them on the stove or in the oven.

I hope this mashed bean recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and on your table! I encourage you to try it and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!