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BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED MEAT AND FRESH HERBS — DIET-FRIENDLY AND AROMATIC

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BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED MEAT AND FRESH HERBS — DIET-FRIENDLY AND AROMATIC

BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED MEAT AND FRESH HERBS — DIET-FRIENDLY AND AROMATIC

This refreshing and lighter take on traditional Romanian bean soup is packed with smoky flavors and garden-fresh herbs. Using a homemade winter mix of vegetables and herbs, this recipe is adaptable with lovage or tarragon and highlights the best of seasonal produce and smoky accents.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 600 g fresh or dried beans (if dried, soak beforehand)
  • 250 g smoked meat (bacon, pork belly, kaizer), optional
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1 parsley root, grated
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 ripe tomato, chopped
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • ½ bunch lovage (or substitute with tarragon)
  • A few sprigs fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook Smoked Meat

  • Cut smoked meat into large pieces and place in a pot with water.
  • Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.

2. Add Beans and Cook

  • Add beans to the pot and cook until nearly tender (about 30 minutes for fresh beans).
  • Remove smoked meat, cut into small pieces, and return to the pot.

3. Add Vegetables

  • Add chopped onion, grated carrot, and parsley root to the pot.
  • Continue cooking for 15 minutes.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Chop bell pepper, tomato, lovage, and parsley.
  • Dissolve tomato paste in a small amount of hot soup broth before adding to the pot.
  • Add chopped ingredients to the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

💡 Tips

  • If using dried beans, soak overnight for best results.
  • Substitute lovage with tarragon if desired for a different herbal note.
  • Use fresh tomato and tomato paste to deepen flavor complexity.
  • The homemade vegetable-herb mix enhances freshness and nutrition.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Light, nutritious Romanian soups
  • Seasonal meals featuring fresh herbs
  • Comfort food with a smoky twist
  • Family-friendly wholesome lunches or dinners

📝 Final Thoughts

This light bean soup marries smoky meat with fresh herbs and garden vegetables, delivering a balanced, flavorful, and diet-friendly meal that warms and satisfies.