Bean soup
Bean soup is an emblematic dish of Romanian cuisine, a simple yet flavorful recipe that evokes family Sunday meals. This soup is not just a dish, but a true culinary story, a symbol of Romanian tradition. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a delicious bean soup with a rich taste and perfect texture.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans (preferably white beans or large beans)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 parsley root, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 liters of water
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Vinegar or lemon juice, for serving
Preparation:
1. Start by cleaning the beans of impurities and washing them well. Then, soak the beans in cold water for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will reduce cooking time and aid in the digestion of the vegetables.
2. After the beans have hydrated, drain and rinse them again. In a large pot, add 2-3 liters of water and the beans. Boil over medium heat for about 30 minutes, until the beans start to soften.
3. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, then add the carrot, parsley root, and bell pepper. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the vegetables to release their flavors.
4. Add the vegetable mixture to the pot with the beans and also add the crushed garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, until all the ingredients are tender and the flavors have combined.
5. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. If you want a more sour taste, add vinegar or lemon juice, to your liking. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.
6. Serve the bean soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top for a more intense flavor.
Practical tips:
- If you want a spicier version, you can add a finely chopped hot pepper during cooking.
- The bean soup can also be made with smoked meat for a richer taste. Add a few cubes of smoked meat during boiling for a savory dish.
- This recipe is perfect for preparing in large quantities, so you can make it to freeze. The soup will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- A personal note: served with a salad of red onions and warm polenta, bean soup becomes a true Romanian feast.
In conclusion, bean soup is more than just a simple dish; it is a culinary experience that blends tradition with comfort. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy an authentic taste, this recipe will remind you of warm family meals at home. Bon appétit!
The beans are soaked in plenty of water to swell and soften. The beans and a few peppercorns are boiled in cold water. They are left to boil for an hour, and the water is changed. Now add the onion, celery, tomatoes, carrot, parsley root, and bell peppers - all finely chopped. At this point, add the pork (if used), previously boiled halfway and cut into small pieces. If the broth is boiled for another hour, everything becomes a miracle. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Boil for another 10-12 minutes, and it's ready! It snows with parsley, dressing the good fairy of winter nights in spring attire, who shows her superb powers only with country bread and onions sprinkled with apple cider vinegar.
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
