Serbian Bean Soup
Warm, hearty, and steeped in tradition, Serbian Bean Soup is a timeless comfort food bursting with flavor. This rustic dish combines tender white beans, smoky pork ribs or sausage (optional for a vegetarian twist), and an aromatic medley of sautéed onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. The addition of smoked or sweet paprika lends a rich depth to the broth, while a touch of thyme and bay leaves infuse earthy warmth. Thickened with a hint of flour and simmered slowly, this soup achieves a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, this authentic Balkan recipe is a satisfying taste of Serbia, celebrating simple ingredients and soulful cooking. Ideal keywords: "Serbian Bean Soup recipe," "hearty bean soup," "traditional Balkan soup," "comfort food recipe," "easy soup ideas."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams dried white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy beans)
- 300 grams smoked pork ribs or smoked sausage (optional for vegetarian version)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium celery stalk, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably smoked or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1.5 liters vegetable broth or water
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the dried white beans under running water. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight (8-12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the soaked beans, smoked pork ribs or sausage (if using), bay leaves, and 1.5 liters of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
While the beans cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, followed by the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the flour.
Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the beans. Stir to combine and allow the soup to simmer for another 20 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the smoked meat (if used), shred the meat off the bone, and return it to the soup.
Serve the Serbian bean soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread on the side for a traditional touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.6 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.3 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 240 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 11210 mg | 487% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 295.5 g | 107% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 74.9 g | 268% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 164.0 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 884 mg | 68% | |
| Iron | 31.0 mg | 172% | |
| Potassium | 10240 mg | 218% | |
*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.
