Smoky Bean Salad With Molasses Dressing 🥗
Overview:
The name itself tantalizes the taste buds – Smoky Bean Salad with Molasses Dressing! 🌶️ This Southwestern U.S. delight infused with Spanish flair promises a burst of flavors. Chipotle chilies add that irresistible smokiness, while the convenience of canned beans speeds up the preparation, making it perfect for a weeknight treat. Dive into this culinary adventure and savor every bite!
- Preparation Time: 4 hours (includes soaking)
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 232.5
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Based on 3 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Great Northern beans (canned for convenience)
- 1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 3 tablespoons light molasses
- 2 canned chipotle chilies
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Place the Great Northern beans in a large bowl. Ensure they are completely submerged in cold water, with an extra 2 inches of water covering them. Allow the beans to soak for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum tenderness. |
| 2. | In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the sherry wine vinegar and yellow mustard seeds. Let this mixture sit for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. |
| 3. | Once the beans have soaked adequately, drain them and transfer them to a heavy large saucepan. Add enough water to cover the beans by at least 3 inches. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. |
| 4. | Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan, and let the beans cook until they are tender. This usually takes about 50 minutes. |
| 5. | Once the beans are tender, drain them and allow them to cool completely. |
| 6. | While the beans are cooling, whisk together the sun-dried tomatoes, molasses, and chipotle chilies into the vinegar and mustard seed mixture. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. |
| 7. | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled beans, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. |
| 8. | Pour enough of the molasses dressing over the bean mixture to coat it evenly. You can adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preferences. |
| 9. | Season the salad with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. |
| 10. | If you’re planning to serve the salad later, it can be prepared up to 6 hours in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate until needed. Before serving, allow the salad to come to room temperature for the best taste experience. |
Enjoy the Culinary Journey:
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors as you dig into this Smoky Bean Salad with Molasses Dressing! The rich smokiness of chipotle chilies combined with the earthy tones of Great Northern beans creates a palate-pleasing experience. The tangy sweetness of the molasses dressing, accentuated by the sherry wine vinegar, elevates the dish to new heights of culinary excellence. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone meal, this salad is sure to impress even the most discerning of taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with a touch of Spanish elegance!
