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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Minted Beans: A Refreshing and Flavoursome Starter

Minted Beans: A Refreshing and Flavoursome Starter

Discover the recipe for minted beans—a delightful Sicilian blend of flavours perfect for any occasion!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 45 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 5 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Spring/Summer
4.6/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500g white beans
  • Salt
  • Garlic
  • White wine vinegar
  • A celery stick
  • Mint
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
200 kcal
Protein
10 g
Fat
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fiber
8 g

Minted beans make a lovely starter, deeply rooted in Sicilian culinary tradition. This dish, with its fresh and aromatic notes, is ideal for kicking off a spring or summer meal. The mint brings a bright, refreshing touch that beautifully complements the creamy texture of white beans, creating a unique harmony of flavours. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike, it’s also a fantastic source of plant-based protein. Enjoy minted beans on warm days, perhaps alfresco, for a taste that whisks you straight to sunny Sicily.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Rinse the white beans thoroughly and place them in a pan with plenty of lightly salted water. Add a clove of garlic and a celery stick. Cook until the beans are tender. Drain and allow to cool.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, half a glass of white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir in finely chopped mint leaves.

  3. 3

    Once the beans have cooled, transfer them to the bowl with the dressing and mix well.

  4. 4

    Leave the beans to marinate in the fridge for at least a couple of hours.

  5. 5

    Serve the minted beans chilled as a starter or a side dish.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a heartier twist, stir in diced fresh tomato or finely chopped red onion. You can also swap the white wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a sweeter note.

📦 Storage

  • Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Use an airtight container to keep moisture out.
  • Make sure the container is completely dry before adding the beans.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy minted beans with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo, served chilled at 6-8°C to highlight its crisp freshness.

This minted beans recipe is a shining example of Sicily’s simple yet stunning flavours. It’s easy to make and brings a lovely freshness to your table, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a go at home, and let the vibrant tastes transport you to the Mediterranean sunshine—surely one to become a firm favourite in your recipe collection!

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