Croatian Bean Soup Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Soak the white beans overnight in water.
• STEP 2.In a large pot, cook the smoked meat until browned.
• STEP 3.Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
• STEP 4.Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with the bay leaves and thyme.
• STEP 5.Pour in enough water to cover the beans and bring to a boil.
• STEP 6.Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
• STEP 7.Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the pot.
• STEP 8.Using a blender or immersion blender, puree a portion of the soup to thicken it.
• STEP 9.Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir well.
• STEP 10.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 11.Serve the Croatian Bean Soup hot with crusty bread on the side.

Cooking Tips

• You can use smoked ham hock, bacon, or sausage as the smoked meat in this recipe.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth instead of water.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the step of pureeing a portion of the soup.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover Croatian Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.