Fasolada Recipe (Greek Bean Soup) Recipe
Fasolada is a traditional Greek bean soup made with white beans, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, slow-simmered to create a hearty and comforting dish. It’s a staple in Greek cuisine, known for its healthy ingredients and robust taste, perfect for a wholesome meal.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Total Time: 14 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegan
Beans and Vegetables
- 500 grams white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini)
- 3 celery sticks, sliced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 medium brown onion, diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup olive oil (divided plus extra for frying)
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- Water (for soaking, cooking, and covering soup)
Optional Garnishes
- Chilli flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Raw red onion slices
- Bread
- Soak the Beans: Begin by soaking the white beans in water for about 12 hours or overnight. This softens the beans and reduces cooking time.
- Boil the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans under fresh water. Place them in a large saucepan, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and drain to discard any impurities.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beans boil, slice the celery and carrots into medium-thick pieces. Dice the brown and red onions, and slice the garlic cloves thinly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and diced onions and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Vegetables: Stir in the tomato paste until well combined, then add the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Beans and Seasonings: Add the drained beans to the pot along with half a cup of olive oil, crushed tomatoes, oregano, pepper, and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to cover all ingredients, usually about 4 to 5 cups.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for approximately 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Seasoning: After 1.5 hours, add the remaining half cup of olive oil and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Check Doneness: Taste the soup to ensure the beans are tender and fully cooked. The consistency should be hearty but not too thick.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with hot chilli flakes, fresh parsley, raw red onion slices, and accompanied by bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves texture.
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent beans from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust seasoning and chili flakes to your preference for heat.
- Fasolada traditionally pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh Greek salad.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
Keywords: Fasolada, Greek bean soup, white bean soup, vegan Greek recipe, healthy bean stew, traditional Greek cuisine