There are a lot of different salads out there, but this Paraguayan Bean Salad with Fritters (Ensalada de Poroto con Tortillas) is one of our favorites. It's so good, and the best part is that it's inexpensive and easy to make. The salad is simple, with the main ingredients and canned beans, hardboiled eggs, onion, tomatoes, salt, fresh lime juice, and mayo.
The key to this salad’s success is the fritter, which is also very simple - made from cheese, flour, egg, and milk. These tasty little fritters are fried until they are golden brown and crunchy. You'll be hooked once you have this Paraguayan combination of Bean Salad and fritters!
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What is Bean Salad?
Bean salad is a type of salad that primarily consists of various kinds of beans, typically mixed with vegetables, herbs, and a dressing or vinaigrette. It is a versatile and nutritious dish served cold or at room temperature, making it a popular choice for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and as a side dish for various meals.
Bean Salad Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Fritters:
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- Cheese: Adds flavor and helps secure the fritters together.
- Flour: Gives the fritters structure and allows them to hold their shape.
- Milk/Water: Provides moisture to the batter and helps create a light and fluffy texture.
- Green onions: Add flavor and texture to the fritters.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the fritters.
- Oil: Used for frying and adds a crispy texture to the fritters.
For the Bean Salad:
- Black beans: A protein-rich ingredient that adds texture and flavor to the salad.
- Tomatoes: Add freshness and acidity to the salad.
- Onion: Adds flavor and texture to the salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Add protein and texture to the salad.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the taste of the salad.
- Lime juice: Adds acidity and freshness to the salad.
- Mayo: Creates a creamy dressing and adds richness to the salad.
- Green onions: Add flavor and texture to the salad.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Bean Salad with Fritters
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until very foamy, and add salt, cheese, flour, and milk. Whisk together all ingredients until no lumps remain. The batter should be smooth. Stir in the chopped green onions—heat oil to 350 F in a medium saucepan or cast-iron skillet. Holding a sauce ladle about 1 inch above the hot oil, quickly drop a big spoonful into a frying pan in the oil ( about 3" to 4" diameter. * Generally, three to 4 at a time in a regular-sized pan.
Fry them in batches until golden brown on the first side for about 2 minutes; carefully turn and continue frying until golden brown on the second. Remove from oil and transfer to a plate with paper towels.
Put beans in a colander in the sink and shower them under cold water; although canned black beans are ready to eat, they should be drained and rinsed first to wash off some slippery slimes and eliminate excess sodium. Set aside in the colander to drain all the liquid. Once completely drained, combine all of the ingredients for the bean salad, except the hard-boiled eggs, in a large mixing bowl. Then, gently fold in the hardboiled eggs. Enjoy!
Substitutions
For the Fritters:
- Cheese: You can use any semi-soft cheese you choose, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
- Milk/Water: You can use any liquid you choose, such as almond or soy milk, instead of dairy milk or water.
- Green onions: You can use any fresh herb, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives, instead of green onions.
For the Bean Salad:
- Black beans: You can use any canned beans of your choice, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, instead of black beans.
- Tomatoes: You can use cherry tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
- Lime juice: You can use lemon or vinegar instead of lime juice.
- Green onions: You can use any fresh herb, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives, instead of green onions.
Variations
- Add spice: If you like spicy food, add diced jalapeno or serrano peppers to the bean salad or fritter batter.
- Change the cheese: Instead of using semi-soft cheese, try crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan cheese for a different flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the hard-boiled eggs from the salad and add some sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Add some crunch: For extra texture, add toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or crumbled bacon to the salad.
- Make it gluten-free: To make the fritters gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. You can also use a gluten-free bread crumb coating for a crispy texture.
How to Serve
To serve the bean salad with fritters, arrange them on a platter and place them in the center of the table. Mix the black beans, tomatoes, onion, and sliced hard-boiled eggs in a large serving bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the lime juice, mayo, and finely chopped green onions until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Pour the dressing over the bean salad and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the bean salad alongside the fritters on the platter. The bean salad and fritters can be served as a side dish or a light meal. You can also serve them as part of a more extensive spread, such as a barbecue or potluck party. Enjoy!
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: The bean salad and fritters, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Next, place the fritters in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: The fritters preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the fritters on a baking sheet.
Bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated and crispy. To serve, remove the salad and fritters from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature. Arrange the fritters on a platter and serve them alongside the bean salad. If desired, you can make a fresh batch of dressing to drizzle over the salad before serving. Following these simple steps, you can store and reheat the bean salad and fritters and enjoy them again later.
Make-Ahead
To make the bean salad with fritters ahead of time, prepare the fritter batter and bean salad as directed in the recipe. Fry the fritters and allow them to cool to room temperature. Store the fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the bean salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Before serving, bring the fritters to room temperature and reheat them in the oven as directed in the reheating instructions. Toss the bean salad with the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Arrange the fritters on a platter and serve them alongside the bean salad. By following these steps, you can prepare the bean salad with fritters ahead of time and save time when you're ready to serve. Store everything properly and bring the fritters to room temperature before reheating and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Making The Best Bean Salad
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ingredients. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh green onions for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Drain and rinse the canned beans: Rinse and drain the canned beans to remove any excess salt or preservatives. This will help to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming too salty.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the bean salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste.
- Let the salad marinate: Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Use a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to chop the vegetables for the salad. This will make getting clean, even slices easier and help the salad look more attractive.
- Keep the dressing separate: Store the dressing separately from the salad until you are ready to serve. This will prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
- Customize the ingredients: Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add some diced avocado, chopped fresh herbs, or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
FAQ
My fritters are too greasy. What did I do wrong?
If your fritters turn out too greasy, it's possible that the oil temperature was too low when you started frying them. Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the fritters to the pan. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters can absorb more oil and become greasy.
My fritters aren't holding their shape. What can I do to fix this?
If the fritters are falling apart or not holding their shape, you may need to adjust the batter's consistency. You can add more flour to the batter to make it thicker, which should help the fritters hold together better.
The fritters are too dense or heavy. How can I make them lighter?
If your fritters are turning out dense or heavy, it might be overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, making the fritters less tender. Mix the batter until the ingredients are combined, and no lumps remain to keep them light and fluffy.
My bean salad is too dry. How can I make it more moist and creamy?
If the bean salad seems too dry, you can adjust the dressing. You can add a bit more mayo and lime juice to make it creamier and more flavorful. Taste as you go to ensure the flavors are balanced to your liking.
The fritters are not crispy. What should I do to make them crispy?
To achieve crispy fritters, make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) and that you're frying them until they are golden brown on both sides. If the oil temperature is too low, the fritters may become soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can modify the recipe to make it vegetarian or vegan. For the fritters, you can use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and egg substitutes. For the bean salad, omit the hard-boiled eggs, and use vegan mayonnaise or a vegan dressing of your choice.
I want to add more spice to the dish. What can I do?
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add ingredients like chopped jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the bean salad or even incorporate some diced chili peppers into the fritter batter for an extra kick.
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Recipe
Easy Bean Salad with Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 4 eggs , room temperature
- 2 cups of cheese ( any semi-soft cheese)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or water or a combination of both
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh green onions
- 3 teaspoons Kosher salt ( to taste)
- Oil for frying
For the Bean Salad:
- 5 canned (15.25 oz ) Black Beans * No seasoned*
- 5 fresh Tomatoes , cut in half and finely sliced
- 1 large onion , cut in half and finely sliced
- 5 hard-boiled eggs sliced
- Kosher salt / ground black pepper to taste
- Juice from 2 lime
- ½ cup mayo; adjust to taste
- ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh green onions.
Instructions
- Fritters: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until very foamy, and add salt, cheese, flour, and milk. Whisk together all ingredients until no lumps remain. The batter should be smooth. Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Heat oil to 350 F in a medium saucepan or cast-iron skillet.
- Holding a sauce ladle about 1 inch above the hot oil, quickly drop a big spoonful into a frying pan in the oil ( about 3" to 4" diameter. * Generally three to 4 at a time in a regular-sized pan.
- Fry them in batches until golden brown on the first side for about 2 minutes; carefully turn and continue frying until golden brown on the second side. Remove from oil and transfer to a plate with paper towels.
- Bean Salad: Put beans in a colander in the sink and shower them under cold water; although canned black beans are ready to eat, they should be drained and rinsed first to wash off some of the slippery slimes and get rid of excess sodium. Set aside in the colander to drain all the liquid.
- Once completely drained, combine all of the ingredients for the beans salad, except the hard-boiled eggs, in a large mixing bowl. Then, gently fold in the hardboiled eggs. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: The bean salad and fritters, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Next, place the fritters in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: The fritters preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the fritters on a baking sheet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.