Prebranac (Serbian Baked Beans with Onions)
Local name: пребранац
In short: Large white beans simmered until just tender, then baked with a mountain of slow-cooked onions, paprika and bay until the top turns crisp and sticky. It takes about 2 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 50 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 390 kcal
Prebranac is the great meatless dish of Serbian home cooking, eaten on fasting days and as a side for roast meat or sausages. Large white beans are boiled until tender but whole, mixed with a great deal of onion softened in oil with paprika and bay, then baked until the edges caramelize. The beans end up creamy inside and glossy outside. It is just as good cold the next day.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked beans and put them in a large pot with the bay leaves and fresh water to cover by 5 cm (2 in). Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer for 60 to 75 minutes until tender but still whole. Add 1 tsp of the salt for the last 15 minutes.
- While the beans cook, heat the oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and cook, stirring often, for 20 to 25 minutes until very soft and golden.
- Stir in the garlic, both paprikas and the tomato paste for 30 seconds. Take the pan off the heat right away so the paprika does not scorch.
- When the beans are tender, drain them, saving 250 ml (1 cup) of the cooking liquid. Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Combine the beans, onion mixture, pepper and reserved liquid in a 3 liter (3 quart) baking dish. The beans should be moist but not swimming.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is crusty and the edges are dark and sticky. Stir once halfway through if you like.
- Rest for 10 minutes, scatter with parsley, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use large white beans such as butter beans or gigantes if you cannot find Serbian tetovac beans. Smaller navy beans work too, but cook them about 20 minutes less.
- For a smokier flavor, replace 1 tablespoon of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika.
Questions and answers
Can prebranac be made ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes better the next day. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven.
Is prebranac vegan?
Yes. It contains only beans, onions, oil and spices, which is why it is eaten on fasting days in Serbia.
What do you serve with prebranac?
It is a side for roast pork, lamb or sausages, and it also works as a main with bread, pickled peppers and a tomato salad.
How long does it take to make Prebranac (Serbian Baked Beans with Onions)?
About 2 h 15 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Prebranac (Serbian Baked Beans with Onions)?
About 390 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 390 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 15 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
