From Romania's Pantry: A Hearty Garlic & White Bean Dip (Fasole Bătută)
Details
Fasole Bătută is a traditional Romanian dish, a creamy white bean and garlic dip.
Ingredients
*For the Caramelized Onion Topping
Instructions
Prepare the Beans
The day before, place the white beans in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water, and let them soak overnight. The next day, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Cover with fresh water, add the whole onion and the bay leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for 1-2 hours, or until very tender. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Blend the Dip
Once cooked, discard the whole onion and bay leaves. Drain the beans, but make sure to reserve about 1-2 cups of the cooking water. Place the cooked beans in a blender or food processor. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Begin to blend, slowly adding some of the reserved cooking water until you achieve a smooth, creamy, and thick consistency, similar to hummus. Be careful not to make it too watery.
Caramelize the Onions
While the beans are cooking or cooling, prepare the topping. Heat the sunflower oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the paprika and optional tomato paste, cooking for about 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Serve
Scoop the bean dip into a serving bowl. Create a small well in the center and generously top it with the warm caramelized onions. Serve the *Fasole Bătută* warm or at room temperature with plenty of crusty bread or toast for dipping.
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