Ciorbe de fasole - Romanian bean soup

[shain]

• 180 g dry small white beans, soaked in water overnight
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 bay leaves
• stock (chicken or veg)

 

• 1 large red pepper
• 1 medium onion
• 3 large celery branches (keep the leaves)
• 1 parsley root (you can use a parsnip or more carrots instead)
• 2 small carrots

 

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 tablespoons flour

 

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1.5 teaspoon salt

 

To finish:

• 3 teaspoons Hungarian paprika (you can replace some with smoked paprika)
• 3 small garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 teaspoons wine vinegar
• A little chili powder, to taste
• 10 tarragon leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill

To serve:

• Red onion, finely chopped, mixed with a little wine vinegar and salt
• Sour cream (important)
• Light country/seeded bread, not sliced - before serving, put it (or a portion) in a low oven and bake until it's crips on the outside

preparation

• In a pressure cooker, cook the beans in the stock with a teaspoon of salt and bay leaves.
• Cut all the vegetables into small cubes. Keep aside the celery leaves (check that they are not bitter, if they are, discard them).
• In a large pot, heat the butter.
• Add the chopped vegetables (pepper, carrot, parsley root, onion, celery) and saute while stirring over medium heat until the vegetables soften, but not browned.
• Add the garlic and flour and mix well until it is absorbed.
• Add the tomato paste, salt and celery leaves.
• Add the beans with their cooking liquid.
• Add more water/stock as needed
• Mix well, cover, and cook until the vegetables soften.
• Add vinegar, paprika, crushed garlic, tarragon, parsley and dill. 
• Serve very hot, accompanied by vinegered onion, sour cream and bread.

 

Edited March 11, 2018 by shain (log)

[ksong1189]

Looks perfect for a dinner! I can't wait to try this recipe, thanks!