Serbian Bean Soup

smoked meat

🥗Healthier: turkey or chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Turkey or chicken reduces fat content while pork is more affordable.

white beans

🥗Healthier: canned beans

💰Cheaper: dried beans

Canned beans save time, while dried beans are often less expensive.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: chili powder

Smoked paprika adds depth without extra calories, while chili powder is often cheaper.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Lemon juice adds brightness, while apple cider vinegar is usually less expensive.

Soak white beans in water overnight.

Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in diced carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Add diced smoked meat and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the soaked beans and cover with water, about 2 inches above the beans.

Add bay leaves, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until beans are tender.

Add diced potatoes and minced garlic; simmer for another 20 minutes.

Stir in chopped parsley and thyme before serving.

Adjust seasoning with vinegar to taste.

Serve hot with crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: