Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

Middle EasternAuthentic Cuisine

Middle Eastern Bean Salad 3

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Middle Eastern Bean Salad 3

Middle Eastern Bean Salad 3 emerges from the heart of home kitchens, where generations have perfected the art of intuitive cooking. The dish embodies the casual elegance of everyday meals, where ingredients are measured by the hand and instinct guides the preparation. This is the home cook's version, a true reflection of the way families across the Middle East gather around a table set for sharing, where the salt is sprinkled to taste and olive oil flows generously.

Expect a vibrant blend of tender beans and the sharp bite of onion, mellowed by the richness of olive oil and the tang of vinegar. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, harmonizing the earthy flavors. This salad is a textural delight, where each bite offers a balance of creamy and crisp, making it a staple for any shared 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 to ensure even pieces, which will blend well with the beans. This step is crucial as the onion will provide a fresh crunch and a mild sharpness to the salad.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 g of cooked beans with the chopped onion. Ensure the beans are well-drained to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing. The beans should be firm yet tender, providing a hearty base for the salad.
  3. Drizzle 80 ml of olive oil over the bean and onion mixture. The olive oil should coat the beans evenly, adding richness and depth to the salad. Follow with 2 tbsp of vinegar, which will cut through the oil and add a refreshing tang.
  4. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount, then mix and taste, adding more if necessary. The salt should enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
  5. Finely chop a handful of parsley and add it to the bowl. The parsley should be fresh and vibrant, adding a burst of color and a hint of earthiness to the salad.
  6. Gently toss the salad using a large spoon or your hands, being careful to keep the beans intact. The goal is to evenly distribute the dressing and parsley without mashing the beans.
  7. Serve the salad immediately with fresh bread. The salad should be at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. Enjoy the salad as part of a shared meal, embodying the communal spirit of Middle Eastern dining.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Middle Eastern cuisine