Bean soup

Bean soup is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavor, that reminds one of family meals, especially on cool days. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for both a festive meal and a quick dinner on busy days. Here’s how to prepare a fragrant and comforting bean soup that will delight all your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g of beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 piece of celery (approx. 100 g)
- 1 large onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Whole peppercorns, 5-6 pieces
- 1-2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 200 g of smoked pork (optional, to enhance the flavor)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the beans: Start by soaking the beans in cold water the night before. This step is essential to reduce cooking time and achieve a better texture. If you don't have time, you can opt for canned beans, but the result won't be the same in terms of flavor and consistency.

2. Boiling the beans: The next day, drain the beans and rinse them well under cold running water. Place the beans in a large pot and add cold water, enough to cover them by 3-4 cm. Add a few peppercorns and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about an hour. Check occasionally and add water if necessary.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, parsnip, and celery. The bell peppers can be diced or sliced, depending on your preference. These vegetables will add a sweet and aromatic taste to your soup.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a skillet, heat a little oil and add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent. Add the carrot, parsnip, and celery, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. This step will enhance the flavor of the vegetables.

5. Combining the ingredients: After the beans have boiled for about an hour, add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot. Then, add the tomato paste, thyme, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well. If you wish to add smoked meat, now is the time to put it in the soup. Let everything simmer together for another 20-30 minutes until the beans are completely soft and the flavors have melded.

6. Serving: The bean soup is served hot, ideally with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a little freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. This recipe can be customized by adding a few drops of vinegar or lemon for a tangy taste, or by replacing the smoked meat with a vegetarian option, adding mushrooms or other vegetables.

Enjoy the flavor of bean soup, a comforting dish full of tradition and aroma! This simple recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a warm feeling of nostalgia and warmth to your soul. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g beans, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, a piece of celery, 1 onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 2-3 tablespoons of broth, salt, ground pepper, whole pepper, thyme, sweet paprika, smoked pork - if not fasting