Pasulj (Serbian Bean Soup with Smoked Ribs)
Local name: пасуљ
In short: A thick white bean soup simmered with smoked pork ribs, onion and carrot, finished with a hot paprika oil. A filling winter staple in Serbian homes. It takes about 2 h 20 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 2 h
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Ask a Serbian what they cook on a cold day and many will say pasulj. White beans simmer until creamy with smoked ribs, onion, carrot and bay, then a spoonful of paprika oil goes in at the end for color and warmth. It is a thick soup that eats like a stew, and it improves overnight. Serve it with bread, raw onion and a pickled hot pepper.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans, cover them with fresh water in a large pot and boil hard for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse, which helps make the beans safe to eat and easier to digest.
- Return the beans to the pot with the ribs, bay leaves and 1.5 liters (6 cups) water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the onions and carrots in the 2 tbsp oil for 8 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute, then add the mixture to the pot.
- Simmer another 45 minutes, until the beans are creamy and tender. Add the salt and top up with hot water if the soup gets too thick.
- For the paprika oil, warm the 1 tbsp oil over low heat, take it off the heat and stir in the paprika for 15 seconds. Mix in a ladle of broth, then stir it into the pot.
- Mash a ladleful of beans against the side of the pot to thicken the soup. Simmer 10 minutes, remove the bay leaves, and serve hot with parsley and bread.
Tips
- No smoked ribs? Use a smoked sausage or smoked bacon, and add a pinch of smoked paprika. The flavor of the smoke is what makes the soup.
- Do not add salt until the beans are tender, because early salt can keep their skins tough.
Questions and answers
Can I make pasulj without soaking the beans?
You can, but plan on 45 to 60 extra minutes of simmering. Soaking overnight gives a creamier result and more even cooking.
How long does pasulj keep?
It keeps for 4 days in the fridge and thickens as it sits, so loosen it with a little hot water when reheating. It also freezes for up to 3 months.
Is pasulj the same as prebranac?
No. Pasulj is a soupy stew cooked on the stove with smoked meat, while prebranac is boiled beans baked in the oven with lots of onion and no meat.
How long does it take to make Pasulj (Serbian Bean Soup with Smoked Ribs)?
About 2 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 2 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Pasulj (Serbian Bean Soup with Smoked Ribs)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 43 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 14 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
