Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα Recipe (Black Eyed Beans with Celery and Thyme)
Description:
The Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα Recipe (Black Eyed Beans with Celery and Thyme) offers a hearty and wholesome one-pot meal, making it perfect for comforting winter dinners. A blend of black-eyed beans (also known as Lobia), celery, and aromatic herbs like thyme and dried oregano come together in this rich dish. The slow-cooked flavors are balanced with the subtle sweetness of fresh onions, the aromatic scent of garlic, and the earthy note from homemade tomato puree. This dish is a great option for anyone seeking a high-protein, vegetarian meal that brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your table.
This dish, an essential part of Greek cuisine, is as satisfying as it is flavorful, providing a nutrient-dense meal perfect for the winter months.
Cuisine: Greek
Course: Main Course
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα Recipe (Black Eyed Beans with Celery and Thyme):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Eyed Beans (Lobia) | 1 cup (soaked for 2 hours) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3, garlic |
| Celery | 2 stalks, finely chopped |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon, coarsely pounded |
| Fresh Thyme Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- Soaking Time for Beans: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Instructions
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Soak the Black Eyed Beans: Start by soaking the black-eyed beans (Lobia) in water for about 2 hours to soften them. This step helps in reducing the cooking time and ensures a tender texture for the beans.
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Prepare the Base: Heat a pressure cooker and add oil. Once the oil is heated, add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it turns translucent. This will form the aromatic base of your dish.
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Add Garlic and Herbs: Next, add the garlic (crushed or minced) and cook for a minute, releasing its rich aroma. Stir in the finely chopped celery, followed by the fresh thyme leaves and dried oregano. Sauté the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Tomato Puree: Pour in the homemade tomato puree and a pinch of salt to taste. Continue to sauté until the mixture thickens, and most of the moisture from the puree evaporates, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
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Combine Beans and Cook: Add the soaked black-eyed beans to the mixture. Toss them well to coat evenly with the spices and tomato mixture. Add enough water to cover the beans, ensuring they cook evenly. Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for about 4 whistles.
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Serving: Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and check the beans for tenderness. If needed, let the dish simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to reach the desired consistency. Serve the Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα along with a side of broken wheat or bulgur to make it a complete high-protein meal. The nutty flavor of the bulgur complements the beans beautifully, creating a wholesome and filling dish.
Allergen Information
- Common Allergens: This dish is naturally free of dairy, gluten, and nuts, making it suitable for those with these allergies. However, always check ingredient labels to ensure they do not contain traces of allergens.
- Special Considerations: The Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα Recipe is vegetarian and high-protein, making it an excellent choice for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.
Dietary Preferences
- High Protein Vegetarian: This dish is a protein-packed vegetarian option, perfect for those who want to enjoy a fulfilling meal without animal-based proteins.
- Gluten-Free: There are no gluten-containing ingredients in this recipe, making it safe for individuals following a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free: No dairy is used in this recipe, making it ideal for individuals who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα Recipe
- Soaking Beans: Soaking the beans for at least 2 hours is essential to ensure they cook properly and reach the desired tenderness. If you’re short on time, you can use canned black-eyed beans, but the flavor will be fresher and more vibrant with dried beans.
- Homemade Tomato Puree: Using homemade tomato puree is recommended for a richer, more natural flavor. If you don’t have homemade, store-bought varieties will work just fine.
- Herb Adjustments: While thyme and oregano are traditional, feel free to experiment with other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or marjoram for a slight variation in flavor.
Conclusion
Greek Style Μαυρομάτικα Recipe (Black Eyed Beans with Celery and Thyme) is a perfect comfort food for winter months, offering a blend of earthy flavors and rich textures. The combination of black-eyed beans, celery, and aromatic herbs makes this dish both nourishing and satisfying. With the addition of broken wheat or bulgur, you have a complete, high-protein meal that is not only healthy but incredibly flavorful.
Whether you are looking for a vegetarian meal or simply want to explore traditional Greek flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
