Ukrainian Red Beans With Plum Sauce Recipes

UKRAINIAN RED BEANS WITH PLUM SAUCE

Steps:

• If using canned beans, drain and place in a sieve or strainer and rinse under cold water. Drain again and place in a serving bowl.
• In a blender or food processor, place garlic, salt, basil, coriander, jam and vinegar; puree until very smooth. Using a wooden spoon, fold puree gently into beans. Let stand for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature; sprinkle with parsley just before serving.
• Serve in a large bowl or on a platter lined with lettuce. Makes 8 servings.
• NOTE: This can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator overnight. Allow salad to come to room temperature before serving.

RED BEAN STEW WITH FRIED ONIONS AND CILANTRO

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine beans and 1 teaspoon salt. Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches and let soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain.
• Combine beans, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaves and 6 cups water in a heavy pot or Dutch oven and bring to a simmer. Simmer very gently, partly covered, until beans are quite tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Using a mortar and pestle, blender or mini food processor, grind garlic, cilantro, savory or oregano, pepper, coriander, fenugreek (if using), cayenne, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt into a rough paste.
• Set 2 tablespoons of chopped onion aside for final garnish. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Add remaining onions and fry until they turn brown at the edges, 7 to 12 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
• When the beans are done, drain and reserve cooking liquid. Return beans to pot and use a potato masher or sturdy spoon to mash them, gradually adding the cilantro-garlic paste and fried onions. When everything is well incorporated, stir in reserved cooking liquid until soupy. Taste and season with tkemali or pomegranate molasses, lemon juice and more salt, if needed.
• Garnish each serving with raw onions, cilantro, pomegranate seeds (if using), and a drizzle of tkemali or pomegranate molasses, if you like. Serve cheese on the side or crumbled on top.