Dried beans salad
Dried Beans Salad Recipe from Romania
Introduction
Dried beans salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. This recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
History
Dried beans have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, providing a good source of protein and fiber. The combination of beans with vinegar and onions in a salad is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed by many for generations.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Boil the beans and let them cool.
- Drain the beans and then combine with chopped onion.
- Add oil, salt, vinegar, and a pinch of pepper.
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and freshness.
- Mix in cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur for added texture and protein.
- Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for a savory twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the dried beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Be sure to season the salad to taste with salt, pepper, and vinegar for a well-balanced flavor.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the taste of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This dried beans salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with a side of crusty bread. It pairs well with a simple vinaigrette dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling the dried beans until tender is the key cooking technique for this recipe. Be sure to cook the beans until they are soft but still hold their shape for the best texture in the salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use canned beans instead of dried beans for a quicker option.
- Substitute red wine vinegar or lemon juice for the vinegar in the recipe.
- Swap out the onion for shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This dried beans salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the dried beans salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also top the salad with a sprinkle of paprika or smoked salt for a finishing touch.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. It also goes well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a light and satisfying dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dried beans salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes or enjoy it cold as a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this dried beans salad contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a meal or snack.
Carbohydrates
Dried beans are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. This salad is a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into their diet.
Fats
The oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, providing essential nutrients for the body. Be sure to use a high-quality oil for the best flavor and nutrition.
Proteins
Beans are a great source of plant-based protein, making this salad a filling and satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans. The protein in beans helps to keep you full and satisfied throughout the day.
Vitamins and minerals
Beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being, making this salad a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, making it a safe option for those with food sensitivities or allergies.
Summary
Overall, this dried beans salad is a nutritious and delicious option for a healthy meal. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded dish for any diet.
Summary
Dried beans salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served as a side or a main course, this salad is a healthy and delicious option for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a recipe that you'll want to make again and again.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for dried beans salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My mother had invited some friends over for a gathering, and she asked me to help prepare the food. As I was going through her old recipe book, I stumbled upon a faded piece of paper tucked away in the back.
Curious, I unfolded the paper and read the handwritten instructions. It was a recipe for a simple yet delicious salad made with dried beans, vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The ingredients were humble, but the flavors seemed to come together in a way that promised a delightful dish.
Excited to try something new, I asked my mother about the recipe. She smiled and told me that it was a family recipe passed down from her own grandmother. She explained how she had learned to make it from watching her mother in the kitchen, and how it had always been a favorite at family gatherings.
Eager to learn more, I asked my mother if we could make the salad for the gathering. She agreed, and we set to work soaking the dried beans and chopping the vegetables. As we mixed the ingredients together and drizzled the dressing over the salad, I could already imagine the delicious flavors melding together.
When our guests arrived and tasted the salad, they raved about how delicious it was. They asked for the recipe, and I proudly shared the handwritten piece of paper with them. It was a small but significant moment for me, as I realized the power of a simple recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories.
From that day on, the dried beans salad became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever we had guests over, I would proudly make the salad and share the story of how I had discovered the recipe. It became a tradition that I cherished, a way to honor my family's culinary heritage and create new memories with those I loved.
Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and experimenting with different flavor combinations. I learned to trust my instincts in the kitchen, to let my creativity guide me as I cooked. And through it all, the dried beans salad remained a constant, a reminder of where I came from and the love that went into every meal I prepared.
As I grew older and had children of my own, I passed the recipe down to them, just as my mother had done for me. I watched with pride as they learned to make the salad, their faces lighting up with joy as they discovered the magic of cooking for themselves.
And now, as I sit here reflecting on those early memories, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of life. The dried beans salad may be just a recipe, but to me, it represents so much more. It is a connection to my past, a bridge to my heritage, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
So the next time you make this salad, remember the story behind it. Think of the generations of women who have lovingly prepared it, each one adding their own touch to create something truly special. And as you savor each bite, know that you are not just tasting a salad – you are tasting a piece of history, a slice of tradition, and a reminder of the love that goes into every meal we cook.