Transylvanian bean soup

Bean soup with smoked meat and sour cream - a warm hug on a plate

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Bean soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor and warmth, that connects us to childhood memories, family meals, and evenings spent with loved ones. This recipe for bean soup with smoked meat and sour cream is not only nourishing but also extremely tasty, ideal for colder days or moments when we need a comforting meal.

Ingredients

- 400 g of beans (ideal for a hearty dish)
- 400 g of smoked pork belly (adds an intense and rich flavor)
- 1 large onion (for extra aroma)
- 2 carrots (a source of natural sweetness)
- 1 parsnip (for a subtle note of flavor)
- 1 parsley root (contributes to a more complex taste)
- 1 small celery (adds a distinct aroma)
- 1 red bell pepper (for a touch of color)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (balances the flavors)
- 5 green onions (for freshness)
- 50 ml of oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (for a hint of acidity)
- 1 egg yolk (thickens the soup and gives it a creamy texture)
- 200 ml of sour cream (for creaminess and a delicious taste)
- 1 tablespoon of flour (helps thicken the soup)
- 1 tablespoon of tarragon in vinegar (adds a tangy and aromatic flavor)
- 1 bunch of dill (for freshness and a specific aroma)
- Salt and pepper (to enhance the taste)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the beans: Choose the beans and wash them well. Soak them in cold water, ideally from evening to morning. This step is essential as it helps shorten the cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest.

2. Boiling the beans: Drain the beans and place them in a pressure cooker along with the sliced smoked pork belly and a pinch of salt. Add enough water to cover the ingredients. Boil for about 1 hour. This will give the soup an intense and consistent flavor.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, peel and wash the vegetables. Cut the onion and peppers into rounds, and the carrots, parsnip, parsley root, and celery into small cubes or rounds, depending on your preference.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a larger pot, add the oil and the prepared vegetables. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This step will intensify the flavors and add a layer of complexity to the soup.

5. Adding water: Pour water over the vegetables, enough to cover them. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it boil.

6. Combining the ingredients: Once the beans and smoked meat are cooked, remove them from the pressure cooker and add them to the boiled vegetables, along with the cooking liquid. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can remove the bones from the smoked meat.

7. Final boiling: Let it boil for another 15-20 minutes, so that all the vegetables are well cooked and the flavors meld together.

8. Thickening the soup: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour and egg yolk. Add 2-3 ladles of hot soup over the mixture to temper it, then pour it into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously. This will give the soup a creamy texture and a rich taste.

9. Final touches: Adjust the salt and pepper, add the tarragon in vinegar and chopped dill. Let it come to a final boil and the soup is ready.

Serving

To enjoy bean soup at its true value, serve it with finely chopped red onion alongside. This will add a pleasant contrast of taste and texture. You can also add a slice of fresh bread or warm polenta alongside for an even more satisfying meal.

Tips and suggestions

- If you want to add a spicy note, you can add a little chili pepper or paprika.
- The soup becomes even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for meal prep.
- You can adapt the recipe by using other types of smoked meat, such as sausages or bacon, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits

This bean soup is rich in plant-based proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and filling meal. Beans are known for their beneficial effects on the digestive system and for their contribution of B vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the boiling time, as canned beans are already cooked.

2. What is the best type of smoked meat for this recipe?
Pork belly is ideal due to its fat content, which enriches the flavor, but you can also experiment with other types of smoked meat.

3. How can I thicken the soup without sour cream?
You can use boiled and mashed potatoes, or you can add a mixture of flour and water during boiling to achieve a thicker consistency.

Happy cooking! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400g beans, 400g smoked sausage, 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip root, 1 parsley root, 1 small celery, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 green bell pepper, 5 green onions, 50ml oil, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 egg, 200ml sour cream, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon tarragon in vinegar, 1 bunch dill, salt, pepper

 Tags:  transylvanian bean soup