Bab Leves (Hungarian Bean Soup)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 5
Bab Leves (Hungarian Bean Soup) that is savory and hearty
in Soup

Prep

15 min

Cook

2 hrs

Ready In

2 hrs 15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/2 lb dried navy beans ( or use quick soak method below ) or 1/2 lb pinto beans , soaked in cold water overnight ( or use quick soak method below )
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 carrot , sliced
1 leeks or 1/2 onion , very finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , pressed
1/2 lb smoked bacon or 1/2 lb smoked ham hock
4 cups smoked ham stock or 4 cups water
2 tablespoons cooking oil or 2 tablespoons lard
2 tablespoons onions , chopped
1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon parsley , chopped
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vinegar

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4-6
Calories
487
Sugar
5g
Fat
29g
Bab Leves is a traditional Hungarian soup made with dried beans and smoked meat. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is popular in the winter months. The soup is known for its rich and smoky flavor, which comes from the combination of smoked bacon or ham hocks, Hungarian paprika, and vegetables. It is a staple dish in Hungarian cuisine and is often served as a main course with crusty bread. Bab Leves is the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day and keep you satisfied for hours.

Instructions

1.Rinse the beans and in a large pot, place them with the bacon or ham hock and enough water to cover them. Add the salt and pepper, and bring it to a boil. Skim any foam that forms on top and reduce heat to low.
2.Add the sliced carrot, finely chopped leeks or onions, and pressed garlic cloves to the pot. Cook everything together for an hour.
3.In a separate pan, heat up the cooking oil or lard and add the chopped onions. Cook them until they are golden brown.
4.Turn off the heat and stir in Hungarian paprika and flour. Add the mixture to the pot with beans, stirring until well combined. Cook everything together for around 20 minutes until the soup thickens and becomes creamy.
5.Add the chopped parsley and vinegar, then remove the bacon or ham hock and discard any excess fat and bones. Add the smoked ham stock or water to the pot, and simmer everything together for 20 more minutes.
6.Serve the Bab Leves hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.

PROS

Bab Leves is a comforting and flavorful soup that is easy to make.
The combination of beans, carrots, and bacon creates a savory base, while the paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste.
It is a great recipe for a cold winter day or when you need a quick and hearty meal.

CONS

This soup is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
It contains bacon or ham hocks, which might not be available in some countries.
It also takes a long time to cook, so it is not ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Bab Leves contains navy beans, which are a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. They are also low in fat and calories and high in minerals like iron and potassium. The soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in it too.

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