Albanian Soup Recipe

Albanian Bean Soup is made with dry white beans, onion, red bell pepper, carrot, olive oil, tomato paste, oregano, paprika powder, all-purpose flour, vegetable stock, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. This hearty Albanian Bean Soup recipe creates a comforting dish that takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Albanian Soup Ingredients

• 250 g (8.8 oz or approximately 1 1/4 cups) dry white beans (small- to medium-sized ones), soaked overnight and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp paprika powder
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.25 liters (5 cups) vegetable stock, or 1.25 liters (5 cups) water with 2 tbsp vegetable stock powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Albanian Soup Instructions

1. Soak the beans overnight, then drain them.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté until vegetables are soft and onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and paprika powder. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add flour to the pot, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the vegetable stock (or water with vegetable stock powder), add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Also, add the soaked beans.
6. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot with fresh bread.

Recipe Tips

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar towards the end of cooking to brighten up the flavors of the soup.
• Texture Enhancement: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring a portion to a blender, then returning it to the pot.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to add depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.

How To Store Albanian Soup

Refrigerate: Allow the Albanian Bean Soup to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, or pour it into freezer bags. Ensure the soup is completely cooled before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Albanian Soup

On the Stovetop: Transfer the leftover Albanian Bean Soup to a pot and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until it reaches a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue heating for another 5-10 minutes, or until the soup is thoroughly heated.

In The Microwave: Pour a serving of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir, until the soup is hot all the way through.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Albanian Soup

Albanian Bean Soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, and garlic bread. It also can be served alongside rice, quinoa, couscous, or a simple pasta dish for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of dry white beans?

While you can use canned beans for convenience, the texture and flavor may differ slightly from using dry beans. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time accordingly and rinse them before adding to the soup.

Can I substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock or water?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a different flavor profile, or with water if you prefer. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the soup’s taste balance.

How do I know when the beans are cooked properly?

The beans should be soft and tender when cooked properly. Test by pressing a bean between your fingers or tasting one. Cooking times may vary depending on the type and freshness of the beans.

Try more recipes:

• Goats Head Soup Recipe
• Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe
• Demos Chicken Rice Soup Recipe