Macedonian Bean and Vegetable Stew (Pasulj so Zelenchuk)
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew featuring tender white beans simmered with a medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with savory herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Dried White Beans(soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color)(diced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced or fresh, chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 liters Vegetable Broth or Water
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Mint
- 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Dill(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- 2
While the beans are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a separate large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic, dried mint, and sweet paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the cooked beans to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill before serving.
💡 Tip: This stew is even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- ✓Don't add salt until the beans are tender, as it can toughen them.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired stew consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra aroma.
- Include other vegetables like zucchini, celery, or leeks.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add smoked sausage or pork belly.