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Colombian Bean Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Colombian Bean Salad

Colombian Bean Salad is a staple of home kitchens across Colombia, where it is prepared with the informal precision of a family cook who knows the weight of ingredients by heart. This dish, often shared during a casual lunch or as a side at dinner, showcases the simplicity and resourcefulness of Colombian cuisine, capturing the essence of everyday meals that bring comfort and nourishment.

The salad is a harmony of tender beans, crisp onion, and fragrant parsley, all enveloped in a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sharp hint of vinegar. Each bite is a delightful balance of soft and crunchy textures, with the salt added intuitively, as only a seasoned home cook can. It's a dish that feels both humble and satisfying, inviting you to savor each mouthful.

Ingredients

  • 400 gcooked beans
  • 1onion
  • 80 mlolive oil
  • 2 tbspvinegar
  • parsley — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by finely chopping 1 onion. Aim for small, even pieces to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients. This will help distribute the onion's flavor throughout the salad without overpowering it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 g of cooked beans with the chopped onion. Use a bowl that gives you enough room to toss the salad without spilling. The beans should be cool to the touch, which will help them hold their shape during mixing.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 80 ml of olive oil and 2 tbsp of vinegar. This mixture will serve as the dressing, adding richness and a hint of acidity to balance the flavors. Add fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed.
  4. Pour the dressing over the beans and onion in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the ingredients, ensuring the beans are evenly coated without breaking them apart. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the beans while distributing the dressing evenly.
  5. Chop a handful of fresh parsley and add it to the salad. The parsley should be finely chopped to release its aroma and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. Toss the salad once more, gently folding in the parsley to add a fresh, herbal note.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or vinegar to suit your preference. The flavors should be balanced, with the beans absorbing the dressing and the onion providing a subtle bite.
  7. Serve the Colombian Bean Salad immediately with fresh bread on the side. The salad should be vibrant, with the beans glistening from the olive oil and the parsley adding a pop of green. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with the flavors mingling together on the plate.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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