Bulgarian bean soup: A hearty twist on a classic dish
When it comes to bean soup, we don't have many associations. That's why you should try a delicious Bulgarian soup. It will quickly win over your household.
Although Bulgaria itself is a known country, the local cuisine rarely graces our tables daily. A delicious bean soup will quickly change that. It's filling, flavourful, and perfect for warming up on cold days. It's definitely worth giving it a chance.
Bulgarian bean soup
Bob Chorba is one of the most characteristic dishes of Bulgarian cuisine. This hearty and aromatic bean soup is a true classic that has been enjoyed by Bulgarians for generations. Despite its simplicity, this soup surprises with its depth of flavour. The combination of beans, carrots, tomatoes, and curly mint creates a harmonious dish.
Finding curly mint can be challenging, but you can easily substitute it with regular fresh mint. Beans are a rich source of plant protein, fibre, and many vitamins and minerals, making the soup not only tasty but also very nutritious.
It is most often prepared in a vegetarian version, combining beans with other vegetables. However, you can add sautéed sausage or bacon if you want to enhance the flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion,
- 3 cloves of garlic,
- 1 large carrot,
- 1 red bell pepper,
- 1 small yellow bell pepper,
- 140 grams of sausage or bacon,
- 400 grams of canned diced tomatoes,
- 1 litre of vegetable or chicken broth,
- 2 bay leaves,
- 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh mint,
- 300 grams of cooked white beans,
- 1 teaspoon of red savoury spice,
- salt and pepper to taste,
- oil for frying.
Instructions:
- Peel the onion, dice it, and sauté until translucent.
- Dice the bell peppers into medium-sized cubes, and finely dice the carrot.
- Add the vegetables to the translucent onion, along with the pressed garlic, and fry for a few minutes.
- Add diced sausage or bacon and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, pour in the broth, and add bay leaves and mint.
- Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Add cooked beans and savoury spice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. It tastes great reheated the next day as well. Enjoy!
