Pizza Beans

Pizza Beans Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Oman

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 10 hours | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Pizza Beans is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of pizza with the heartiness of beans. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Pizza Beans is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of beans, tomatoes, and cheese creates a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pinto beans
6 cups water
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
0.25 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp oregano
0.25 tsp rosemary
1 cup shredded mozzarella
0.25 cup grated romano

How to prepare

Soak the beans in water overnight.
In a slow cooker, cook the beans in water on high for 2 – 3 hours, until they are tender but not mushy.
Drain the beans, saving the liquid.
Add tomatoes, onion, green pepper, garlic, salt, oregano, and rosemary to the beans.
Add 2 cups of the saved bean liquid.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 – 10 hours.
Add cheese and cook on high, uncovered, for 15 – 20 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the beans stand for a few minutes before serving to allow them to absorb some of the juice.

Variations

Add cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meatier version of Pizza Beans.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures that they cook evenly.

- Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and delicious dish.

- Adding the cheese at the end of cooking helps to create a gooey and melty topping that is perfect for serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pizza Beans with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the beans allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or parmesan, in place of mozzarella and romano.

Make Ahead Tips

Pizza Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pizza Beans in individual ramekins for a fun and unique presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pizza Beans with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Pizza Beans is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (mozzarella and romano cheese)

Summary

Pizza Beans is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a vegetarian meal and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Summary

Pizza Beans is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with your family and friends for a meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling city of Naples, Italy. I was wandering through the vibrant streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the local markets when I stumbled upon a small, quaint cafe tucked away in a hidden alley.

As I peered through the window, I saw a group of locals huddled around a table, laughing and chatting animatedly. The aroma wafting from the kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing mix of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. I knew I had to find out what they were cooking.

I entered the cafe and was greeted by the warm smile of the owner, a kindly old man with twinkling eyes and a twinkle in his eye. He motioned for me to join the group at the table, and before I knew it, a steaming bowl of Pizza Beans was placed before me.

The first spoonful was a revelation. The creamy beans, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese melded together in a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I savored each bite, relishing the comfort and warmth that this dish brought me.

After finishing my bowl, I approached the owner and begged him for the recipe. He chuckled and shook his head, telling me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. But he saw the passion in my eyes and took pity on me, agreeing to teach me how to make Pizza Beans.

Over the next few days, I spent countless hours in the cafe's kitchen, watching and learning as the owner prepared the dish. He showed me how to sauté onions and garlic until they were golden brown, how to simmer tomatoes and herbs until they formed a rich, velvety sauce, and how to layer the beans and cheese in a baking dish before topping it with a crispy breadcrumb crust.

As I worked alongside him, I listened to his stories of growing up in Naples, of family gatherings and feasts where Pizza Beans always took center stage. I felt a connection to this dish, to its history and tradition, and I knew that I had to bring it back home with me.

When it was time for me to leave Naples, the owner presented me with a handwritten copy of the recipe for Pizza Beans. I thanked him profusely, promising to cherish it forever and share it with my loved ones back in the States.

As soon as I returned home, I set to work in my own kitchen, recreating the magic of Pizza Beans that I had experienced in that little cafe in Naples. The scent of onions and garlic filled the air, mingling with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs. I could almost hear the laughter of the locals, the clinking of glasses and the clatter of dishes.

When the dish was finally ready, I placed it on the table and called my family to join me. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with joy and wonder. They marveled at the flavors, the textures, the sheer deliciousness of Pizza Beans.

From that day on, Pizza Beans became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together and filled our hearts with warmth and comfort. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition that had been entrusted to me by the kind old man in Naples.

Now, whenever I make Pizza Beans, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Italy, to the taste of history and heritage that lingers in every bite. And I am grateful for the chance to have learned this recipe, to have brought a piece of Naples into my own home and heart.