The Romanians and Moldavians share a very similar cuisine so I was really happy to learn another recipe that belongs to that region. My teacher this time was a Moldovan girl named Katya. Yes again – a female cook! 😉

Katya lives in Tiraspol – the second largest city in Moldova. Tiraspol is the capital of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria). And the people there obviously know how to cook delicious meals.

Katya taught me a very popular Moldavian bean dish called Fasole făcăluită. You can eat it as spread, dip or on it’s own. It´s very warming and filling – perfect for the winter.

Fasole făcăluită

• 1 cup white beans, soaked over night
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• olive oil
• 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• salt & pepper

Cover beans with water. Bring to a boil. Change water. Bring to a boil again. Add carrots and bay leaf. Cook until beans are soft.

In the meantime heat oil in a frying pan. Add onions. Add tomato paste. Stir frequently and cook until caramelized and a light golden color. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt & pepper.

Drain beans and carrots. Add garlic. Mash the mixture. If too dry add some water. Add salt to taste.

Serve mashed beans warm or cold with the onion tomato-mixture on top.

Poftă bună!