BEANS SALAD WITH PEPPERS, ONION AND FETA

After my last visit to Italy, my pantry is now full of food stored by my mother.

In particular I brought with me two different types of dried beans. But...How to cook them?

I like beans: they are a good substitute for meat (being high in protein) and they are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. Though I've never prepared them from scratch.

There is always a first time...and a new recipe!

For this recipe I used a typical bean of the Belluno Valley, the area where my parents live. Its name is gialet (you can find more information about it here): 

Of course, other types of beans can be used and also canned beans or chickpeas match perfectly with the other ingredients (saving also a lot of time ;) ).

The result will be a tasteful salad that, accompanied by a slice of bread, is also a healthy main course. 

Ingredients for 2 servings

100 gr dry beans (or 400 gr canned beans)

2 peppers (1 red and 1 green...to add color)

1 big onion

100 gr feta

2 spoons olive oil

salt, pepper

Preparation

1. If you use dry beans: soak the beans overnight, drain them and transfer in a pot adding enough water to completely cover them. Simmer the dried beans on low to medium heat. Beans usually require between 30 minutes and 2 hours of cooking, depending on types and soaking time.

Add salt only when beans are almost cooked. 

Once cooked, drain and let them cool.

2. On the meantime, prepare the vegetables: cut onion and peppers in thin slices.

3. Heat up a pan with olive oil; add the onion. When it starts to fry, add some water and cook for 5 minutes.

Tip: you can use hot peppers flavored oil to add extra taste.

4. Add the peppers and cook until soft. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Now you can assemble the salad: pour the beans in a bowl, add stewed onion&peppers and feta (that you will have previously diced).

6. Let stand 5 minutes to let the flavors mix well.

7. Buon appetito! :)