Romanian Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable or chicken broth 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 200g smoked bacon or ham, diced 200g smoked bacon or ham, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vinegar or juice of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons vinegar or juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried white beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain before using.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the diced smoked bacon or ham to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked white beans and vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the vinegar or lemon juice.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves and serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
• Smoked bacon or ham — Choose a high-quality smoked bacon or ham for the best flavor. If using ham, opt for a smoky variety.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for enhanced flavors.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian Bean Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the soup with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Romanian Bean Soup in a rustic-style bowl, showcasing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and beans. Place a small bunch of fresh parsley or dill on top as a garnish. Serve the soup alongside a slice of crusty bread on a wooden board for an inviting presentation.