FASOLIA BI ZEIT "Red beans in oil"

Fasolia or red beans is a traditional Lebanese dish it can be done with or without meat, I am presenting the vegetarian side in this recipe, It is healthy, delicious and very easy to prepare. I remember when I used to visit my grand parents in the mountain I noticed that some people there cook the beans with chunks of potatoes and without tomato paste, I gave it a try once and it was good too.

Prep. time: 15 mins

Cooking time: one hour

Serves: 5 to 6

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups light red beans soaked in water overnight

one medium onion chopped

8 garlic gloves 4 of them chopped and the rest unpeeled, washed and set aside to dry

2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil

2 cinnamon sticks if desired

1 heaped tsp salt

2 tbsp tomato paste

Preparation : soak the beans overnight, it helps them to cook faster. In the morning wash and let them boil for 5 mins then strain, adding this time around 8 to 9 cups of boiled water, cover and put over medium heat. Meanwhile in a cooking pan put the oil and saute the onion, the chopped garlic and the whole ones until light golden.

After the beans are already simmered for 35 mins, add to the pot the salt, the cinnamon stick, the onions, the garlic and the tomato paste. Let it cook over low heat and covered for another 20 mins. or until well done. Leaving the garlic gloves unpeeled and done this way give the dish an amazing and distinctive aroma. It is very simple and makes a quick and filling lunch so give it a try and you won't regret. Serve it with pita bread aside or as my grandchildren likes it with our famous vermicelli rice aside and bon appetit !!!