Bosnian Baked Beans with Prunes (Prebranac sa Suvim Sljivama)
A hearty and flavorful take on baked beans, this Bosnian version incorporates the natural sweetness of caramelized onions and the rich, fruity notes of prunes, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dry white beans(such as Great Northern or Tetovac, soaked overnight)
- 3 medium Large onions(about 2 lbs, thinly sliced)
- 150 g Dried prunes(pitted and halved)
- 60 ml Olive oil(or sunflower oil)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Sweet Hungarian paprika
- 4 medium Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 whole Bay leaves
- 500 ml Vegetable stock or water(as needed)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- 2
While the beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes, until they are deeply caramelized and sweet. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the cooked beans, halved prunes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot with the onions. Stir gently to combine. Pour in the reserved bean cooking liquid and enough vegetable stock or water to just cover the beans.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the pot tightly and bake for 1 hour.
- 5
Remove the lid and continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the liquid has mostly evaporated. Add more stock or water if it becomes too dry.
- 6
Let the baked beans rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Remove the bay leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and to reduce bloating.
- ✓Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to the dish's sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated; the flavors meld beautifully.
🔄 Variations
- For a meatier version, add smoked sausage or bacon during the last hour of baking.
- A pinch of cumin can add an extra layer of warmth.