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Romanian White Bean Spread with Garlic & Caramelized Onion Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

This Romanian White Bean Spread with Garlic & Caramelized Onion is a flavorful and creamy dip that combines smooth white beans blended with garlic and topped with richly caramelized onions infused with smoked paprika and tomato paste. Perfect as a spread or dip, it's an easy 30-minute recipe that delivers a satisfying balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, ideal for serving with fresh bread.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Bean Spread

  • 450 grams canned white beans (one standard-sized small can, 15.5 oz) or substitute 1/2 cup (90 grams) dried white beans
  • 60 ml bean canning liquid (reserve from the canned beans)
  • 1.5 cloves garlic, minced (adjust based on taste)
  • 1.25 teaspoons salt (divided, more or less to taste)

Caramelized Onion Topping

  • 2 yellow onions, sliced
  • 125 ml sunflower oil or other neutral oil
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika (divided)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bean mixture: Drain the canned white beans and reserve about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the canning liquid. Add the drained beans, reserved canning liquid, half of the salt, and the minced garlic into the bowl of a food processor. Blend until very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  2. Sauté the onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the oil, sliced onions, tomato paste, the remaining salt, and a dash of smoked paprika. Stir to evenly coat the onions with the tomato paste and oil mixture.
  3. Caramelize the onions - first phase: Cook the onions slowly over low to medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking without burning, allowing the onions to soften and start releasing their sweetness.
  4. Caramelize the onions - second phase: Add the rest of the smoked paprika to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The onions should significantly reduce in volume and begin to crisp up and deepen in color.
  5. Monitor carefully: After about 15 minutes total cooking time, watch the onions closely to prevent burning. Remove from heat once they reach a rich caramelized color and texture. They can shift quickly from caramelized to burnt, so timing is key.
  6. Assemble the spread: To serve, spread a generous amount of the whipped white bean and garlic mixture in a relatively flat bowl or plate. Spoon the caramelized onion topping evenly over the spread to create a layered effect.
  7. Serve: Enjoy the spread with fresh bread, using it either as a dip or a flavorful spread for sandwiches or crackers.

Notes

  • You can use dried white beans instead of canned; soak and cook them before using.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and smoked paprika according to your personal taste preference.
  • Sunflower oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, but other neutral oils such as vegetable or canola oil work well too.
  • Be very attentive when caramelizing onions to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • This spread pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or fresh pita for an authentic experience.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Spread
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Romanian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/romanian-white-bean-spread-with-garlic-and-caramelized-onion-recipe/