Serbian Style White Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried white beans and soak them overnight in cold water. Drain the beans 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.
   Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked white beans and vegetable 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.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
6. 6.
   Serve the Serbian Style White Bean Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the stew.
• Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers or potatoes.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Serbian Style White Bean Stew hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls to showcase the homemade and comforting nature of the dish.