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Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Style

Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Style

Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Style is a comforting, rich, and nourishing plant-based soup full of tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and traditional Serbian spices. This hearty and wholesome recipe delivers authentic Balkan flavors through a creamy texture and warm, earthy seasonings, perfect for cozy evenings and healthful meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Legumes

  • 2 cups dried white beans (or 3 cans white beans, rinsed and drained)

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids & Fats

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

Spices & Herbs

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Beans and Vegetables: Rinse and drain canned white beans or soak dried beans overnight and cook them until tender. Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to ensure they blend well into the soup.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Then add diced carrots and celery, cooking for a few minutes until softened but still holding shape.
  3. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste along with paprika and bay leaves, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This develops a deeper flavor and natural sweetness.
  4. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the white beans and reduce heat, letting the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Finish and Season: Remove bay leaves. Season with salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the soup. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade vegetable broth for greater depth of flavor and less sodium.
  • Do not skip the lemon juice or vinegar; the acidity lifts the entire dish.
  • Cook dried beans thoroughly beforehand to avoid hardness.
  • Sauté the vegetables gently to avoid browning; aim for soft, aromatic flavors.
  • The soup tastes better the next day as the spices meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan white bean soup, Serbian soup, Balkan cuisine, plant-based soup, gluten-free soup, vegan comfort food, white beans, paprika soup