Mashed Red Beans
Ingredients:
This recipe is based on Ful Medames, a dish made from fava beans (which we do not consume). The exact recipe varies from region to region throughout the Middle East and Africa. For example, sometimes the beans are heavily mashed; in other places, they may not be mashed at all. The seasonings used can vary from very mild to bold and spicy. Depending on the region and personal preference, the beans may be garnished with cucumber, tomato, radish, hot peppers, olives, boiled egg, parsley, cilantro, scallion, onion, lemon, tahini, or crumbly white cheese (such as feta). This allows for a great deal of customization to suit one's liking, but the basics remain the same. A few consistent ingredients are fava beans, salt, cumin and/or garlic, and olive or sesame oil. Of course, we use small red navy beans.
- 1 lb. small red beans
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic or garlic powder (to taste)
- 2-3 tsp. cumin
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
- Olive oil or sesame oil
- Toppings (optional)
- Begin preparing the small red beans as normal. Simmer the beans in a pot of water over medium heat. When the beans begin to soften, add any desired spices, such as extra salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, etc. Continue simmering the beans.
- When the beans are very soft and the broth has thickened, use a potato masher (or the bottom of a mug) to smash the beans as much as you like. Some people mash it very slightly, while others mash it heavily until it reaches the consistency of refried beans.
- You may continue simmering the beans, uncovered, to evaporate excess water if needed. If not, simply stir the beans, drizzle with oil, and serve. Or...
- If you prefer packing in even more flavor and extra produce, add a tablespoon or two of oil to a pan. Sauté a chopped onion until it is translucent. Add in a few tomatoes and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir the onion and tomatoes into the mashed beans and cook until everything is well incorporated.
- Drizzle with olive oil, top it with herbs, crumbly cheese, and/or hard-boiled eggs, and enjoy!
This recipe is based on Ful Medames, a dish made from fava beans (which we do not consume). The exact recipe varies from region to region throughout the Middle East and Africa. For example, sometimes the beans are heavily mashed; in other places, they may not be mashed at all. The seasonings used can vary from very mild to bold and spicy. Depending on the region and personal preference, the beans may be garnished with cucumber, tomato, radish, hot peppers, olives, boiled egg, parsley, cilantro, scallion, onion, lemon, tahini, or crumbly white cheese (such as feta). This allows for a great deal of customization to suit one's liking, but the basics remain the same. A few consistent ingredients are fava beans, salt, cumin and/or garlic, and olive or sesame oil. Of course, we use small red navy beans.
