Fasole Bătută (Romanian Mashed Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions)
Local name: Fasole bătută
In short: Creamy mashed white beans with garlic and oil, crowned with deeply caramelized onions, a humble Romanian dip for bread and pickles. It takes about 2 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Fasole bătută means beaten beans, and the name says it all: white beans are boiled until soft, then mashed with garlic and oil into a rough, creamy paste. A heap of dark, sweet onions cooked slowly in oil goes on top. It is a classic of Romanian fasting days, eaten with bread, pickles and raw onion, and it also works as a side for fried fish or sausages.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans and put them in a pot with fresh water to cover by 5 cm (2 in). Add the bay leaf, bring to a boil, then simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, until the beans are very soft and squash easily between your fingers.
- Meanwhile, heat the 4 tbsp oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Cook the onions, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes, until deep golden and sweet. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the paprika.
- Drain the beans and keep 250 ml (1 cup) of the cooking water. Mash the beans with a potato masher, or pulse them in a food processor, until mostly smooth but still a little rough.
- Stir in the garlic, salt and the 2 tbsp oil. Add the reserved cooking water a few spoonfuls at a time until the paste is thick but spreadable.
- Spread the beans on a plate and pile the onions and their oil on top. Serve warm or at room temperature with pickles, hot peppers and bread on the side.
Tips
- In a hurry, use 2 cans (400 g / 14 oz each) of white beans, drained and rinsed. Warm them in a little water for 10 minutes before mashing.
- Do not rush the onions. Low heat and patience give the sweet, dark topping that defines the dish. Add a pinch of salt to draw out their moisture.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with fasole bătută?
Fresh bread, pickled cucumbers or cabbage, raw onion and a hot pepper. It is also a side dish for fried fish, smoked sausages and grilled meat.
Is fasole bătută the same as hummus?
No. It is made from white beans, with no tahini or lemon, and it is topped with caramelized onions. The texture is rougher and the flavor earthier.
How long does fasole bătută keep?
Up to 4 days in the fridge, covered. It thickens as it cools, so stir in a spoonful of warm water to loosen it before serving.
How long does it take to make Fasole Bătută (Romanian Mashed Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions)?
About 2 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fasole Bătută (Romanian Mashed Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 37 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
