Hearty Croatian Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 14g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried white beans and soak them overnight in water. Drain before using.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked white beans, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree a portion of the soup to thicken it. Leave some beans whole for texture.
6. 6.
   Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the Fižolova Mineštra hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Ensure that you soak the beans overnight to soften them before cooking. This will help reduce the cooking time and ensure a tender texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of diced smoked bacon or ham to the soup.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the pureeing step and leave all the beans whole.
• Serve the Fižolova Mineštra with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as potatoes or bell peppers.

Serving advice

Serve the Fižolova Mineštra as a main course with a side of crusty bread or as a side dish alongside grilled meats. It pairs well with a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Fižolova Mineštra with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in individual bowls or a large soup tureen for a cozy and inviting presentation.