Romanian Bean Soup

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Experience the comforting flavors of Romanian Bean Soup, a hearty and rustic dish brimming with tradition and rich taste. This soul-warming recipe combines tender white beans, smoky pork or bacon, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, all slowly simmered to perfection in a flavorful paprika-spiced broth. Infused with aromatic bay leaves, garlic, and a touch of tomato paste, this classic soup is finished with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a burst of freshness. Perfect for cozy evenings, this nutritious bean soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or traditional Romanian cornbread. Whether you're exploring Eastern European cuisines or seeking a satisfying, protein-packed meal, this Romanian Bean Soup is sure to delight your taste buds.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 20 min
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

16 items

• 250 grams dried white beans (cannellini or navy)
• 200 grams smoked pork or bacon
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaf
• 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

📝 Instructions

9 steps

1. Rinse 250g of dried white beans under cold water and soak them in a bowl of water overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 200g of smoked pork or bacon, cut into small pieces, and sauté for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and mix well for 1 minute to release the aroma.

5. Add the soaked and drained beans, 2 bay leaves, and 1 liter of vegetable or chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer on low for 60-70 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

6. Once the beans are cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and the lightly browned smoked pork or bacon. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld together.

7. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting to taste.

8. Remove the bay leaves and garnish the soup with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped dill. For optional brightness, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice before serving.

9. Serve hot with crusty bread or traditional Romanian cornbread.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (346.9g)

Calories		406
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		19.1 g	24%
	Saturated Fat	5.6 g	28%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	2.8 g
Cholesterol		37 mg	12%
Sodium		1617 mg	70%
Total Carbohydrate		35.7 g	13%
	Dietary Fiber	9.0 g	32%
	Total Sugars	5.9 g
Protein		23.6 g	47%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		112 mg	9%
Iron		3.8 mg	21%
Potassium		1303 mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1028 cal (41.9%%)

Protein: 570 cal (23.2%%)

Carbs: 858 cal (34.9%%)