How to make
Old-Fashioned bean soup has been present on family tables for generations and remains one of the most beloved traditional soups in Bulgarian cuisine. This classic recipe is known for its rich aroma, deep flavor, and comforting warmth.
Start by preparing the beans. Place the dry white beans in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 8-12 hours or overnight. This step softens the beans and helps them cook more evenly.
After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
Transfer the soaked beans to a large pot and pour in about 2 liters of water. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the beans to a boil. Allow them to boil for about 15 minutes, then discard the water. This step removes some of the starch and reduces the heaviness typical of beans.
Return the beans to the pot and pour in about 3 liters of hot water. Place the pot over moderate heat and allow the beans to cook for about an hour and a half. The pot should not be tightly covered. During cooking, skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
While the beans cook, prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the onion. Peel the carrots and slice them into small cubes or thin rounds. Remove the seeds from the peppers and cut them into small pieces.
Add the prepared vegetables to the pot once the beans begin to soften.
About an hour after the beans begin cooking, peel the tomato and cut it into small cubes. Add it to the soup. The tomato adds a gentle acidity and freshness that balances the richness of the beans.
In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the flour and cook it while stirring until it turns lightly golden. Then add the paprika and stir quickly so it does not burn. Carefully pour in a little of the bean broth and stir until a smooth mixture forms.
Slowly pour this mixture into the bean soup while stirring continuously. This step thickens the soup slightly and gives it a deeper color and richer flavor.
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Finally, season with salt to taste and add the finely chopped parsley and spearmint. These herbs give the finished bean soup its distinctive traditional aroma.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors blend together perfectly.
If you enjoy traditional bean dishes, be sure to try our recipes for delicious baked beans or the beloved turkish bean salad.
