Cypriot Fasolada (White Bean Soup)
Fasolada is a hearty and nutritious white bean soup, often considered the national dish of Cyprus. It's a simple yet flavorful dish, rich in vegetables and slow-cooked to perfection. This version emphasizes the traditional preparation with olive oil, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried white beans (navy or haricot)
- 7 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(crushed)
- 3 medium Carrots(sliced into coins)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks(chopped)
- 3 large Ripe tomatoes(seeded and chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 10 cups Water
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.5 bunch Fresh parsley(chopped, for serving)
- 1 whole Lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the white beans in cold water for at least 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible. - 2
In a large saucepan, cover the soaked beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, then drain and discard the water.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Add the pre-boiled beans to the pot along with the bay leaf. Pour in the 10 cups of water and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the beans. - 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
💡 Tip: Simmering slowly allows the flavors to meld and the beans to become perfectly tender. - 7
Once the beans are tender, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the fasolada into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and more lemon juice can be added at the table.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a quicker version, you can use canned white beans, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- ✓High-quality olive oil is key for the authentic flavor of this soup.
- ✓Fasolada is traditionally made without meat, making it a great Lenten dish.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a pinch of cinnamon or paprika for added warmth.
- Fava beans can be used as an alternative to white beans.