Guyanese Four Bean Salad

Guyanese Four Bean Salad Recipe - Authentic and Delicious

Region / culture: Guyana | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Guyanese Four Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines four different types of beans with a tangy and sweet dressing. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in Guyanese cuisine, where beans are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of red kidney beans, wax beans, soy beans, and blackeye beans creates a colorful and flavorful salad that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of canned red kidney beans, drained
1 lb (454 g) of canned wax beans, drained
1 lb (454 g) of boiled soy beans, drained
1 lb (454 g) of boiled blackeye beans, cooked
1 medium onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of vinegar
2 tbsp of chopped parsley
0.5 cup of salad oil
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of dry mustard
0.5 tsp of dried tarragon leaves, crushed
0.5 tsp of dried basil leaves, crushed

How to prepare

Combine the beans, pepper, and onion in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, vinegar, oil, parsley, salt, mustard, tarragon, and basil together until well combined.
Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for a thorough chilling.
Occasionally stir the salad while it is being chilled.
Just before serving, give the salad another stir and drain any excess liquid.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Use different types of beans such as chickpeas or black beans.
Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the canned beans well before adding them to the salad to prevent excess liquid.

- For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the salad in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables or herbs of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Guyanese Four Bean Salad as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for a bed of greens.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the soy beans and blackeye beans until tender before adding them to the salad.

- Mix the dressing ingredients separately before pouring over the vegetables to ensure even distribution.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh beans instead of canned for a different texture.

- Substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Guyanese Four Bean Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Guyanese Four Bean Salad with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Guyanese Four Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Guyanese Four Bean Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Guyanese Four Bean Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Guyanese Four Bean Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Guyanese Four Bean Salad contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as soybeans and wheat (if using soy sauce).

Summary

Guyanese Four Bean Salad is a nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Guyanese Four Bean Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of four different beans and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Guyanese Four Bean Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria had always been a fantastic cook, and I loved watching her whip up delicious dishes with such ease and grace.

As we chatted about our day, Maria suddenly got up and headed to her pantry. She rummaged around for a few moments before pulling out a can of black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and green beans. I watched in fascination as she began to rinse and drain the beans, and then toss them all together in a large bowl.

Next, Maria added in some finely chopped red onions, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro. She drizzled on a simple dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and a hint of sugar. Finally, she seasoned the salad with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne for some heat.

I watched as Maria tossed the salad gently, coating each bean and vegetable in the flavorful dressing. The colors and aromas that wafted from the bowl were simply divine. I couldn't wait to taste this delightful creation.

As Maria handed me a spoonful of the salad, I was immediately hooked. The combination of the different beans, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing was a taste sensation like no other. Each bite was a burst of flavor and texture that danced on my taste buds.

I asked Maria where she had learned to make this amazing salad, and she smiled and told me that it was a traditional dish from her homeland of Guyana. She explained that the mix of beans and vegetables was not only delicious but also a healthy and hearty meal that could be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible salad for myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made sure to write down every detail so that I could recreate it in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the Guyanese Four Bean Salad countless times for my family and friends. It has become a staple at potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. And each time I serve it, I can't help but think back to that fateful day in Maria's kitchen when I first discovered this wonderful recipe.

I have since added my own twist to the salad, sometimes swapping out the vegetables for whatever is in season or experimenting with different types of beans. But no matter how I make it, the essence of the dish remains the same – a fusion of flavors and cultures that brings joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.

As I sit here reminiscing about my culinary journey with the Guyanese Four Bean Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful friendships and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making this delicious salad and creating their own memories in the kitchen.