Bela Maneštra with Mediterranean Flavors

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 150g (5.3oz) smoked bacon, diced 150g (5.3oz) smoked bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 potato, peeled and diced 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (400g/14oz) white beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (400g/14oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig of rosemary 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig of thyme
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Greek yogurt, for serving Greek yogurt, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced smoked bacon and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced potato, white beans, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme sprigs from the pot. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of vegetables and beans for texture.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Bela Maneštra hot, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked bacon — Choose a high-quality smoked bacon for the best flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a smoky taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.
• Add a splash of white wine during the cooking process for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the Bela Maneštra with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Bela Maneštra hot in individual bowls. Drizzle each serving with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a small dollop of Greek yogurt in the center of each bowl of Bela Maneštra. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley around the yogurt for an attractive touch.