Maneštra od bobića
A hearty and flavorful bean and corn soup, a staple in Istrian and Dalmatian cuisine, often enriched with smoked meat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Dried beans(e.g., white beans or borlotti, soaked overnight)
- 400 g Fresh corn kernels(from about 4-5 ears of corn)
- 150 g Smoked pork rib or pancetta(diced)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Carrot(diced)
- 1 stalk Celery stalk(diced)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 l Vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked beans and rinse them. Place the beans in a large pot with fresh water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse again. This helps remove any impurities.
- 2
In the same large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced smoked pork or pancetta and cook until lightly browned and rendered. Remove the meat and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 3
Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are softened.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the cooked beans and the reserved smoked meat to the pot. Add the fresh corn kernels and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer.
- 6
Simmer the manštra until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- 7
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as the smoked meat can be salty. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: This soup is often served with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and digestibility.
- ✓Using a piece of smoked meat adds a depth of flavor that is characteristic of this dish.
- ✓The corn should be fresh for the best texture and sweetness; frozen corn can be used in a pinch.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or other root vegetables for a thicker soup.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth.