Fižolova Solata z Bučnim Oljem (Slovenian Bean Salad with Pumpkin Seed Oil)
Local name: Fižolova solata z bučnim oljem
In short: Tender white beans tossed with sharp red onion, garlic and cider vinegar, finished with dark green pumpkin seed oil, a staple Slovenian side salad. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 280 kcal
Bean salad dressed with pumpkin seed oil is one of the most common sides on a Slovenian table, especially in the northeast where the oil is pressed from roasted seeds of a hull-less pumpkin variety. The oil is dark green, nutty and almost smoky, and a few spoonfuls change a plain bowl of beans completely. Add thinly sliced radicchio or lettuce if you like. The salad takes 15 minutes and gets better as it sits.
Instructions
- Put the sliced onion in a bowl, sprinkle with the salt and 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, and let it sit for 10 minutes to soften and lose its sharpness.
- Add the drained beans, garlic and parsley and toss gently so the beans do not break.
- Drizzle with the remaining vinegar and the pumpkin seed oil and toss again. Add the pepper, taste, and adjust the salt and vinegar.
- Let the salad stand for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature so the beans absorb the dressing. Fold in the radicchio, if using, and serve.
Tips
- Pumpkin seed oil is not for cooking. Add it at the end, because heat destroys its nutty flavor.
- For the best texture use dried beans: soak overnight, drain, boil hard for 10 minutes, then simmer for 60 to 75 minutes until creamy. Cool them in their liquid before dressing.
Questions and answers
What does pumpkin seed oil taste like?
Dark green and nutty, with a roasted, slightly bitter edge. A few spoonfuls is plenty because the flavor is strong.
Can I use a different oil?
Yes. Toasted walnut or sunflower oil will do, though the flavor will be milder. Pumpkin seed oil is sold in many European delis and online.
How long does the salad keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge in a covered container. Add the radicchio just before serving so it stays crisp.
How long does it take to make Fižolova Solata z Bučnim Oljem (Slovenian Bean Salad with Pumpkin Seed Oil)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fižolova Solata z Bučnim Oljem (Slovenian Bean Salad with Pumpkin Seed Oil)?
About 280 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
