Kyslá Fazulová Polievka
A comforting and tangy Slovak bean soup, characterized by its sour flavor profile derived from sauerkraut brine or vinegar, enriched with beans, vegetables, and often smoked meat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Dried white beans(soaked overnight)
- 300 g Smoked pork hock or ribs(optional, for flavor)
- 200 g Sauerkraut(roughly chopped, plus some brine)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Parsley root(diced (or celery root))
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Flour(for thickening)
- 1 tbsp Butter or oil
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Vinegar(optional, to adjust sourness)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain soaked beans. Place beans and smoked meat (if using) in a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until beans and meat are tender.
- 2
While beans are cooking, prepare the base. In a separate pot or the same pot after removing meat, sauté chopped onion in butter or oil until translucent. Add diced carrots and parsley root and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- 4
Add the sauerkraut and its brine (start with a little and add more to taste) to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well.
- 5
Once the beans and meat are tender, remove the meat from the pot. Shred or dice the meat and return it to the soup. Discard bones if any.
- 6
Add the vegetable and sauerkraut mixture to the pot with the beans. Add marjoram, salt, and pepper. If the soup is not sour enough, add a tablespoon or two of vinegar.
- 7
Simmer the soup for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning and sourness as needed.
- 8
Serve hot, perhaps with a slice of fresh bread.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“Soaking beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- âś“The sourness can be adjusted with sauerkraut brine or vinegar; taste and add gradually.
- âś“Smoked meat adds a depth of flavor, but the soup is also delicious without it.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced potatoes along with the carrots and parsley root.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
- Some recipes include a bay leaf for added aroma.