Fasole bătută (mashed beans) is one of those traditional Romanian dishes that take us back to the simple yet flavorful meals of our grandparents. Creamy, smooth, and easy to prepare, fasole bătută is perfect for fasting days or for those moments when we want a nourishing and authentic snack. With the rich aromas of garlic and sautéed onion, this recipe brings to the plate the simplicity and richness of Romanian flavors.
A special way to enjoy fasole bătută during fasting days is by spreading it generously over a slice of hearth-baked bread, golden and slightly crispy. The rustic bread perfectly complements the creamy texture of the beans, offering a consistent and flavorful base. Alongside assorted pickles – cucumbers, green tomatoes, peppers, or sauerkraut – fasole bătută gains a refreshing and balanced contrast, the pickles adding a tangy note and freshness that balance the richness of the dish.
This simple yet delicious combination truly represents the spirit of the Romanian winter meal: a plate full of comfort, tradition, and authenticity. Fasole bătută can be served as is or spread on bread, accompanied by crunchy pickles, making it a perfect choice for moments when we want a hearty and character-filled snack.
Rinse the dried beans and soak them in cold water the night before cooking (at least 8–12 hours). This way, the beans will hydrate and cook more easily the next day.
After soaking, drain the water in which the beans sat and place them in a pot with fresh water. Let them boil for 10–15 minutes, then drain the water and replace it with new hot water. This process helps eliminate substances that may cause bloating.
Step 2: Boiling the Beans
After changing the water 2–3 times, add the bay leaf, the carrot (optional), and salt to the pot. Boil the beans on low heat until the kernels are very soft and easy to mash. The boiling time may vary between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the type of beans.
Once the beans are well cooked, drain the water but keep a little liquid from the pot (about one cup) to add to the beans when blending.
Step 3: Preparing the Fasole Bătută
Place the cooked beans in a large bowl. Add the crushed garlic and part of the reserved liquid, then blend everything with a hand blender or mash with a fork until you get a fine and creamy consistency. Add liquid only as needed to obtain a smooth paste.
Taste and adjust with salt as desired. Finally, transfer the fasole bătută into a serving bowl.
Step 4: Preparing the Sautéed Onion Topping
Peel the two onions and chop them finely. In a pan, heat the oil and add the onion. Sauté over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden and soft.
Add the tomato paste and sweet paprika, mixing well, and let them cook together for 2–3 minutes. This topping will give the beans a rich flavor and an appealing color.
Step 5: Assembling the Dish
Pour the sautéed onion evenly over the fasole bătută. It can be served warm or cold, alongside fresh bread, assorted pickles, and optionally, hot peppers.
Serving Suggestion
Fasole bătută can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, being a nourishing and traditional dish, perfect for fasting meals or for moments when we want a simple and authentic snack. Enjoy!
Why Is Fasole Bătută Considered an Emblematic Dish of Romanian Cuisine?
Fasole bătută is a simple yet flavor-rich dish, reflecting the traditions of Romanian cooking. The accessible ingredients, the slow cooking method, and the combination with hearth-baked bread and pickles make this dish an expression of humble but authentic cuisine, preserved from generation to generation.
What Is the Secret to Achieving Smooth and Creamy Fasole Bătută?
The secret lies in properly boiling the beans until the kernels are very soft, and then using a hand blender or a sieve to obtain a fine paste. Gradual addition of the reserved cooking liquid helps regulate the consistency, while crushed garlic provides the distinct taste specific to this traditional recipe.
How Does Sautéed Onion Contribute to the Final Flavor of the Dish?
The sautéed onion adds a caramelized sweetness and a rich texture, perfectly complementing the creaminess of the mashed beans. The sweet paprika and tomato paste added to the onion enhance both the flavor and the appearance of the dish, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and colors.
What Type of Beans Are Best Suited for This Recipe?
Large white beans are ideal for fasole bătută, thanks to their creamy texture and neutral taste, which allow the garlic and seasonings to shine. Pinto beans can also be used, but the result will have a slightly different color.
What Are the Benefits of Using Hearth-Baked Bread for Serving?
Hearth-baked bread, with its crispy crust and soft interior, provides an excellent contrast to the creamy consistency of fasole bătută. Its slightly smoky or whole wheat aroma enhances the authentic taste of the dish, evoking traditional Romanian meals.
How Do Assorted Pickles Pair with Fasole Bătută?
Pickles bring a contrast of flavors and textures: their acidity balances the richness of the beans and sautéed onion, while their crunchiness adds a pleasant bite. Cucumbers, green tomatoes, or sauerkraut are the most popular choices to accompany this dish.
How Can the Recipe Be Adapted for a Dietary Regimen?
The recipe can be adapted by reducing the amount of oil used for the sautéed onion or replacing it with olive oil. Salt can also be reduced, and pickles may be replaced with raw vegetables for a lower sodium intake.
Why Is Soaking the Beans Before Cooking Important?
Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and helps eliminate substances that can cause digestive discomfort. This step also ensures an even texture and more efficient cooking of the kernels.
How Can the Traditional Recipe Be Diversified?
Fasole bătută can be diversified by adding spices such as thyme or dill for extra aroma. In the sautéed onion topping, finely chopped kapia peppers or small pieces of mushrooms can also be included for a different taste.
What Other Dishes Can Accompany Fasole Bătută for a Complete Meal?
Fasole bătută can be served with mămăligă, fried sausages, or fried eggs for a hearty meal. For a fasting menu, it can be paired with fresh vegetable salads or a mushroom stew.
