Hot Bean Salad

Hot Bean Salad Recipe from Latvia | Ingredients: Grape Juice, Carrots, Red Onion, Celery, Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot Bean Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. This recipe is packed with flavor and is a great way to incorporate more beans into your diet.

History

Hot Bean Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. Beans have long been a staple food in many cuisines due to their versatility and nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of white grape juice
2 medium carrots, chopped
0.5 medium red onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery, sliced
0.5 cup of water, or liquid from beans
0.33 cup of vinegar
1 tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp of cornstarch
1 vegetable bouillon cube
2 cups of canned black beans
1 cup of canned red kidney beans
1 optional red onion

How to prepare

In a large skillet, add white grape juice and heat over medium-high heat.
Stir-fry carrots, onion, and celery for two minutes.
Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, stir together water, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and bouillon cube, crumbling the cube as much as possible.
Add the mixture to the skillet.
Cook and stir over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
Stir in black and kidney beans.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through.
Garnish with sliced red onions, if desired.
The dish may be served hot or cold.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Try using different types of beans such as chickpeas or white beans.
Top with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse canned beans thoroughly before using to remove excess salt and starch.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- For a more flavorful salad, try marinating the beans in the dressing overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Bean Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Hot Bean Salad is to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Be sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white grape juice, you can use apple juice or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also use any type of vinegar in place of the vinegar called for in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot Bean Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving or enjoy cold.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot Bean Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot Bean Salad pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hot Bean Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hot Bean Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot Bean Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hot Bean Salad contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot Bean Salad contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot Bean Salad is a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are safe for your dietary needs.

Summary

Hot Bean Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, high in protein and fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot Bean Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it hot or cold, as a side dish or a main course, and feel good knowing you are nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Hot Bean Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Martha was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to tasting her latest culinary creations.

As I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in a pan. Martha, with her apron tied around her waist and a twinkle in her eye, beckoned me over to the stove.

"Come, my dear, I have a new recipe I want to share with you," she said, her voice filled with excitement.

I eagerly stepped closer, curious to see what she had in store. Martha began to explain the ingredients and method for making her Hot Bean Salad, a dish she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

"It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served warm or cold," she explained, as she tossed the beans and vegetables in the pan. "The secret is in the combination of spices and the slow cooking process that allows the flavors to meld together beautifully."

I watched as Martha expertly stirred the mixture, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, until the kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of cumin and paprika. The colors of the beans, tomatoes, and peppers mingled together in a symphony of flavors, promising a delightful culinary experience.

As we sat down to enjoy the Hot Bean Salad, I marveled at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dish. The beans were tender yet firm, the vegetables perfectly cooked, and the spices added just the right amount of heat and depth of flavor.

After our meal, I asked Martha for the recipe, eager to recreate this delectable dish in my own kitchen. She gladly shared it with me, along with a few tips and tricks she had picked up over the years.

From that day on, Hot Bean Salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. It became a dish that was synonymous with warmth, comfort, and the joy of sharing good food with those we care about.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to Martha's original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Hot Bean Salad for a family dinner, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day at Martha's cottage by the sea. It was a moment that changed the course of my culinary journey, introducing me to a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in my family for generations to come.

And so, as I take a bite of the warm, flavorful salad, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create cherished memories, and to nourish both body and soul. I am grateful for the wisdom and generosity of my dear friend Martha, who shared this recipe with me so many years ago, and I look forward to passing it on to the next generation of home cooks in my family.

For in every bite of Hot Bean Salad, there is a story – a story of friendship, of love, and of the joy that comes from sharing good food with those we hold dear. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.