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Filipino Bean Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Filipino Bean Salad

Filipino Bean Salad is a staple in homes across the Philippines, a reflection of the everyday dining experience where family cooks prepare it with an intuitive touch. This dish captures the essence of Filipino home cooking with its straightforward ingredients and generous use of olive oil. It's a salad that finds its place on the table any day of the week, offering a comforting familiarity.

The salad boasts a simple yet satisfying flavor profile, with the creamy texture of cooked beans complemented by the sharpness of onion and the tang of vinegar. A generous drizzle of olive oil ties everything together, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant note. Fine sea salt is added by instinct, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.

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 beans without overpowering them. Place the chopped onion in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add 400 g of cooked beans to the bowl with the onions. Use a variety of beans if you like, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, to add texture and flavor. Ensure the beans are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
  3. Pour 80 ml of olive oil over the beans and onions. The olive oil will coat the beans, adding richness and helping the flavors meld together. Stir gently to ensure the oil is evenly distributed.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the mixture. The vinegar will provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the olive oil. Stir again gently, making sure the vinegar is well mixed with the oil and beans.
  5. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust as needed. The salt will enhance the flavors of the beans and onions.
  6. Finely chop a handful of parsley and add it to the salad. The parsley will add a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color. Mix gently to incorporate the parsley without breaking the beans.
  7. Toss the salad gently, ensuring all ingredients are well combined but the beans remain intact. The salad should look glossy with a balanced distribution of ingredients.
  8. Serve the Filipino Bean Salad immediately with bread. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the flavors vibrant and the textures crisp.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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