Pasulj (Serbian White Bean Soup)

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 125 min
Servings: 12
Yield: 12 servings

Description

Pasulj is a hearty white bean soup from Serbia with ham, potatoes, and carrots. Great on a winter day served with bread.

Ingredients

1/2 pound dried great Northern beans, rinsed
16 cups water
1 1/2 pounds ham hock
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 red potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large bay leaf
6 peppercorns
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1 Soak beans in plenty of cold water overnight. Drain.
2 Combine beans, water, and and ham hock in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and and simmer for 1 hour.
3 Add carrots, red potatoes, celery, onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns; bring to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 more hour.
4 Remove ham hock and cut off meat from the bone. Return to the soup.
5 Meanwhile, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook, stirring, until lightly brown. Remove from heat and stir in paprika until well combined. Return to stove over low heat and stir in 1 cup of soup liquid, mixing until well combined. Pour mixture back into the soup pot and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.