Slovak Bean Soup

Slovak Bean Soup Recipe - Authentic and Delicious

Region / culture: Slovakia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Slovak Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This traditional Slovak recipe is packed with fresh beans, potatoes, and savory sausage, all simmered in a rich and creamy broth. The addition of paprika and garlic gives this soup a delicious depth of flavor that will warm you from the inside out.

History

Bean soup has been a staple in Slovak cuisine for centuries. It is a simple and comforting dish that is often enjoyed during the colder months. The addition of sausage and cream to the soup adds a richness and depth of flavor that is characteristic of Slovak cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh yellow or green beans
1 small carton of 15% table cream
6 large potatoes, diced
salt
1 lb (454 g) sausage (must be obtained from a Slovak or Hungarian butcher)
1 tbsp lard
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp paprika
0.25 tsp pepper
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 small ladle of white vinegar

How to prepare

Fill a large Dutch kettle with 2 qt (1.89 liters) of water.
Add sausage, cut into 3 pieces, and beans, cut up.
Bring to a boil, then lower to medium heat and cook for about half an hour.
Add diced potatoes and salt, and cook for another half an hour.
In a small saucepan, melt lard. Add flour, paprika, pepper, and garlic.
Mix well and cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes.
Add this mixture to the soup and mix well.
Add vinegar and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a cream carton, mix 1 tbsp of flour and a pinch of baking soda.
Add to the soup and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use smoked paprika for a smoky twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh beans for the best flavor and texture in this soup.

- Cooking the sausage and beans together before adding the potatoes allows the flavors to meld and develop.

- Adding the flour and paprika mixture to the soup thickens it and adds a rich color and flavor.

- The addition of vinegar adds a tangy kick to the soup that balances out the richness of the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Slovak Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh beans, you can use frozen or canned beans instead.

- Any type of sausage can be used in this recipe, but traditional Slovak or Hungarian sausage is recommended for an authentic flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Slovak Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Slovak Bean Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Slovak Bean Soup with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Slovak Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Slovak Bean Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Slovak Bean Soup contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Slovak Bean Soup contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Slovak Bean Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Slovak Bean Soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten from the cream and flour.

Summary

Slovak Bean Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Slovak Bean Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with fresh beans, potatoes, and savory sausage, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this traditional Slovak recipe with your family and friends for a taste of Eastern European cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age, and the writing was faded, but the recipe for Slovak Bean Soup caught my eye.

I had always been intrigued by Slovak cuisine, with its hearty and comforting dishes that were perfect for the long winter months. I had heard stories from my own grandmother about the delicious meals that her own mother used to make, and I was eager to recreate some of those flavors in my own kitchen.

The recipe called for simple ingredients - dried white beans, smoked bacon, onions, garlic, and a few spices. It seemed easy enough, but I knew that the key to a good bean soup was in the slow simmering of the ingredients to allow the flavors to meld together.

I set to work soaking the beans overnight, allowing them to plump up and soften before cooking. The next day, I chopped the bacon into small pieces and fried it in a large pot until it was crispy and rendered its fat. The smell of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, tantalizing my taste buds.

Next, I added the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing them until they were soft and translucent. The aroma of the cooking onions mingled with the bacon, creating a mouthwatering scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

I then added the soaked beans to the pot, along with some water, a bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. I brought the mixture to a boil, then reduced the heat and let it simmer gently for hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed.

As the soup cooked, the flavors began to blend and intensify. The beans softened and absorbed the smoky, savory essence of the bacon, while the onions and garlic melted into the broth, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The aroma that wafted up from the steaming bowls was intoxicating, promising a taste sensation that would transport me to another time and place.

I took my first spoonful of the soup and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that exploded on my tongue. The beans were tender and creamy, the bacon was smoky and salty, and the broth was rich and flavorful. It was a taste of my heritage, a connection to my ancestors who had passed down this recipe through generations.

From that day on, Slovak Bean Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it on cold winter nights, when the wind howled outside and the snow piled up against the windows. It was a dish that warmed both body and soul, bringing comfort and nourishment with every spoonful.

I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down not just the ingredients and cooking instructions, but also the stories and memories that were woven into every batch of soup. It became a tradition, a link to our past that we could hold onto and cherish in the present.

And so, every time I make Slovak Bean Soup, I am reminded of that first day when I saw the recipe in my great-grandmother's cookbook. It is a reminder of where I come from, of the rich culinary heritage that has shaped me and my family. And it is a tribute to those who came before me, who cooked and shared and taught me the joy of good food and good company.