White Bean Chorba (Боб чорба) is an authentic Bulgarian dish that combines tender white beans, vegetables, and savory spices to create a thick, warming soup or stew that is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time for the beans)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients (For Four to Six People)
- 400 grams of dried white beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced and diced
- 1 green bell pepper or red pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 200 ml canned tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon+ of mint (Bulgarian mint – джоджен)
- 1 teaspoon dried savory (чубрица) (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of flour
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1.5 liters water or vegetable broth (6 cups)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Cover the dried white beans in a large bowl with cold water. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
Add the soaked beans and enough water to cover them in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain the beans and rinse again. This step helps reduce the beans’ natural bitterness.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the paprika and stir to coat the vegetables.
Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices
Return the beans to the pot and add the chopped tomatoes, savory, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and add the water or vegetable broth. Add tomatoes only when the beans are ready, as tomato juices will slow the vegetable cooking process. Start adding the Bulgarian mint, which is essential to this chorba.
Step 5a: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally and check the consistency, adding more water if necessary.
Step 5b: Create the “chorba” element
When the soup is ready, heat the remaining oil (or a new one), paprika, and flour in a pan. After frying them for about 1-2 minutes, add the mixture to the soup, add the savory, and let the lentil soup simmer for a few more minutes. Add more Bulgarian mint (джоджен) if needed. The mint is essential to this thick white bean chorba.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup once the beans are tender, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks
- Faster Cooking Option: If you’re short on time, use canned white beans instead of dried. Skip the soaking and pre-cooking steps and simmer the soup for 30-40 minutes.
- Chef’s Recommendation:
- Pay special attention when creating the “chorba” element. Without it, the dish will be a bean soup (lighter, less intense taste), not a chorba (thicker, more intense, and hearty texture and taste).
- Add a small piece of smoked bacon or ham while it simmers to give the soup a smoky flavor. Alternatively, use smoked paprika.
- Extra Vegetables: Add celery, wild onions, and other greeneries to make the soup even heartier.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is traditionally served with fresh, crusty bread. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can be added to enhance the flavors.
Wine Matching
Bulgarians usually don’t have wine with soup. However, a light red wine such as Bulgarian Gamza or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the subtle flavors of this hearty soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Vegan: The recipe is vegan-friendly as long as vegetable broth is used instead of meat-based broth.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Freezing: White bean soup freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. The texture may change when freezing beans, as the icing will disintegrate the bean’s structure.
About White Bean Soup (Боб чорба)
White Bean Soup, known as боб чорба in Bulgarian, is a beloved and iconic dish in Bulgarian cuisine. It is traditionally served in homes across the country. It is hearty, nutritious, and budget-friendly, often made during colder months for its warming and comforting qualities. The simplicity of the ingredients and the rich flavors developed through slow cooking make it a staple in Bulgarian households.
Cultural Context
In Bulgaria, white bean soup is a classic dish passed down through generations. It is often a plant-based meal during Lent or other fasting periods. The use of dried beans and root vegetables reflects the traditional rural lifestyle of Bulgaria, where simple, locally sourced ingredients are transformed into flavorful and nourishing dishes. White Bean Soup is also popular in taverns and restaurants, particularly in winter.
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