ReceptnaptárSpiced bean soup with smoked meat (pasulj)
Pasulj is a national dish of Serbian cooking, the hearty, smoky bean soup that is a fixture of army kitchens, canteens and family lunches. It is thicker than most bean soups, so it serves as soup and main course in one. Smoked ham hock gives it its deep flavour and paprika its colour. It is at its best with fresh onion and a slice of bread.
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Ingredients
Method
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- The evening before, soak the dried beans in plenty of cold water for at least 8-10 hours.
- The next day, drain and rinse them well, then cover generously with fresh water in a pot.
- Add the smoked hock, bring to the boil, then skim off the scum from the top.
- Cover and pre-cook at a gentle simmer over low heat for 1-1.5 hours, until the beans start to soften.
- Meanwhile, fry the onion in the oil in a frying pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent, add the carrot and fry for another 3 minutes.
- Take off the heat and stir in the paprika - it's important not to add it to hot oil on the heat, as it can burn and turn bitter.
- Add the fried vegetables to the beans with the bay leaves and cook for another 45-60 minutes, until the beans are completely soft and creamy, almost falling apart.
- For a thicker soup, take out a ladleful of beans with their liquid, blend to a purée and pour it back into the pot.
- Take out the hock, remove the bone, chop the meat and return it to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot, sprinkled with fresh onion or red onion.
A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.
Tips
- Soak the beans the evening before, because they then cook more evenly and are easier to digest.
- To lift the soup, purée a ladleful of the beans, which makes it creamy and thick without any flour.
- Add the salt at the end, because the smoked meat contributes plenty and the liquid also reduces as the beans cook.
Frequently asked questions
Which beans should I use?
Large white beans are best. In Serbia the tetovac variety is one of the favourites, but any dried bean will do.
How can I make it without meat?
Replace the smoked meat with smoked paprika and a little dried mushroom. The fasting version is known in Serbia too, especially before Christmas.
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