Greek Small White Bean Salad

Greek Small White Bean Salad

White Bean Salad ready to be placed in the Refrigerator for a few hours

I am now in Greece for a months stay, asndonce againI am in awe of the lovely fresh vegetables and fruits, the assortment of dried beans, the cheese counter (or better said department as it is Huge!) with an amazing choice of fresh wheels of a variety of cheeses, the olive counter with so many kinds of olives by the barrel and fresh capers;  in general a delight to go shopping.

I always first make for the family to have in the refrigerator at all times a few things that last for days and are easy to grab a small bowl for a super healthy snack. This time I decided to make a bean salad.

4 cups of cooked small white beans (see method) or equal canned beans rinsed and drained

 1 small onion chopped finely

 Half of a lemon juiced  (in the USA you may need a whole lemon as the Greekones are much fuller  of juice)

 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar

 4-5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

 1/2 cup parsley then chop

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

 Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Mix oil , vinegar and lemon juice and set a side (dressing)

Cook beans. (see instructions below) Chop onion and parsley. 

Juice Lemon. First rollthe lemon back and forth to release the juice inside before cutting open

 

 

 

 

Combine all ingredients into a serving dish.

I like to place it in the refrigerator and then after few hours toss and redress with olive oil, lemon and vinegar as needed (usually another 1/4 cup if not more), as the beans will absorb allot of the dressing.

TIPS:

·        I used half of a Geek lemon. You may want to use a whole lemon if not in the Med. where the lemons have twice as much juice as ones I find in the USA.

·        Use a red onion instead of white if  a milder taste of onion is desired.

·        I think beans in general need allot of salt but of course salt to taste always remembering salt is not healthy to have too much in one’s diet!

·        You could add a bit of tarragon as well

 

Method to cook Beans:  Place raw, rinsed uncooked beans in water to cover and let sit overnight.  Rinse and drain well.     Place in new cold water to cover by ¼ inch and bring to boil.  Stir every so often and replace water as needed.  Turn down and simmer for about 2- 21/2 hours.  Until done.

As always be your own Creative Dump Cook and change this recipe to what YOU have on hand!