Mashed White Beans in Tomato Sauce
Humble pantry staples turned comforting: onion and tomato cooked down with warm spices, white beans folded in and gently mashed until creamy, then crowned with a drizzle of melty cheese.
Mashed white beans in tomato sauce is a filling vegetarian dish built on boiled beans cooked in a seasoned tomato sauce, with part of them mashed to give the dish a creamy, cohesive texture. Served hot with a drizzle of melted cheese, it works as a warm main course or a side dish.
How to Prepare
Heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft.
Add the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, mixed spices and cumin, and cook until the tomatoes break down.
Stir in the tomato paste and the water and let it simmer into a sauce.
Add the boiled white beans and cook a few minutes, lightly mashing some of them so the dish thickens and turns creamy.
Serve hot with a drizzle of melty liquid cheese on top.
Made it? Rate this recipe
Mash only part of the beans — leaving some whole gives the dish a nicer texture.
Ingredient Swaps
Canned white beans can be used after rinsing to save the boiling time. For a richer flavour, add a clove of minced garlic with the onion. The melted cheese for serving can be replaced with grated cheese or left out for a fully plant-based version.
Common Questions
Why is only part of the beans mashed?
Mashing part of them gives the dish a creamy texture while keeping some whole beans for bite.
Can canned beans be used?
Yes, rinse them well and add them straight to the sauce to save the boiling time.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Cook it until some of the water evaporates; mashing the beans also helps thicken it.
What gives the dish its flavour?
A mix of onion, tomato and spices such as cumin and allspice gives the dish its depth.
What is it served with?
It is served hot with a drizzle of melted cheese and bread, as a main or side dish.
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