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Indonesian Bean Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Indonesian Bean Salad

Indonesian Bean Salad is a staple on home tables across Indonesia, cherished for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. Passed down through generations, this salad is often enjoyed during family meals, where the salt is judged by hand and the olive oil is used generously. It's a dish that embodies the essence of practical Indonesian cooking, made to be shared among family and friends.

This salad offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors, with the creamy beans perfectly complemented by the sharpness of onion and the brightness of vinegar. A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh finish, while the fine sea salt ties everything together in harmonious balance. It's a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing, ideal for any meal.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by finely chopping 1 onion. Use a sharp knife and aim for even, small pieces to ensure they blend well with the beans. Transfer the chopped onion into a large mixing bowl, which will be used to combine all the salad ingredients.
  2. Add 400 g of cooked beans to the bowl with the chopped onion. You can use any variety of cooked beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, whichever you prefer. Ensure the beans are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
  3. Pour 80 ml of olive oil over the beans and onions. The olive oil will act as the primary dressing, adding richness and helping to bind the flavors together. Stir gently to coat the beans and onions evenly.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the mixture. The vinegar will provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the olive oil, balancing the flavors. Stir again gently, ensuring the vinegar is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
  5. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, tasting as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right. The salt will enhance the flavors of the beans and onions, bringing the dish together.
  6. Chop a handful of fresh parsley and add it to the salad. The parsley will add a fresh, herbaceous note, complementing the other ingredients. Toss the salad gently to incorporate the parsley without breaking the beans.
  7. Once the salad is well-mixed and seasoned to your liking, serve it immediately. The freshness of the ingredients is best enjoyed right away. Pair the salad with some crusty bread to soak up the dressing and enjoy a complete meal.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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