Print

Serbian Pasulj Bean Soup

Serbian Pasulj Bean Soup
Print Recipe

Serbian Pasulj Bean Soup is a traditional, hearty, and soul-warming dish made with tender white beans, smoky meats, and aromatic spices. Perfect for any season, it offers authentic Serbian comfort, rich flavor from simple ingredients, and is nourishing with protein and fiber. Adaptable for vegetarian or spicier preferences, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 2 cups white or navy beans (soaked overnight)

Meat and Aromatics

  • 150–200g smoked meat (such as smoked sausage or smoked bacon), chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced

Spices and Flavorings

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

Liquids

  • 6 cups vegetable or meat broth
  • 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil (for sautéing)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Olive oil drizzle
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your beans overnight or for at least 6 hours in cold water. This softens them, cuts down cooking time, improves digestibility, and ensures even cooking and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  2. Prepare the Smoky Base: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil and sauté diced onions, garlic, and carrots until soft and fragrant. Add the chopped smoked meat to release its rich smokiness, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Add Beans and Liquids: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with vegetable or meat broth. Stir in tomato paste and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer and Season: Let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and flavors meld perfectly. Towards the end, season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste for a well-balanced finish.
  5. Final Touches: Remove bay leaves and taste the soup again. Optionally mash some of the beans for a creamier texture. Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Soak beans properly to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
  • Use smoked sausage or bacon for authentic smoky flavor.
  • Simmer the soup slowly to develop deep flavors without breaking the beans apart.
  • Add spices like paprika and bay leaves gradually for balanced seasoning.
  • Allow the soup to rest before serving to enrich the flavor profile.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit smoked meat and add smoked paprika and mushrooms for smoky depth.
  • Add chili flakes or hot paprika for a spicy variation.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for brightness.
  • Mash some beans for a thicker, creamier soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Serbian Pasulj, bean soup, smoked sausage soup, traditional Serbian, hearty soup, comfort food, easy bean soup, gluten free, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/serbian-pasulj-bean-soup/