Entree: Slovenia – Southern Culinary Region – Matevž (rustic mashed potatoes and white beans traditionally enriched with bacon or cracklings)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white beans (cannellini or drained canned)
- 4 oz (115 g) slab bacon, chopped
- 1 smoked sausage, approx. 8 oz (225 g), sliced (optional for serving)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) pork lard or unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) coarse sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 g) pork cracklings or fried bacon bits (optional garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. If using dried beans, soak overnight and simmer until tender (about 1–1 1/2 hours); drain and set aside. If using canned, drain and rinse.
2. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
3. While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until fat renders and bacon is crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
4. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent and beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
5. In a large bowl or the pot used for potatoes, mash the drained potatoes with the lard or butter until mostly smooth but still a bit rustic. Fold in the cooked white beans and mash gently to combine; leave some beans slightly whole for texture.
6. Stir in the sautéed onion and most of the bacon (reserve some for garnish). Season with salt, pepper, and white vinegar, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Transfer matevž to a serving dish, top with reserved bacon or cracklings and chopped parsley. Serve hot with sliced smoked sausage and pickles or sauerkraut on the side if desired.
