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Pasulj (Serbian Bean Stew)

The Balkan Sunday pot: big white beans simmered for hours with onion and sweet paprika. This is the meatless "posni" version.

Prep15 min
Cook2 h
Rest / soak8 h
Makes6 servings
LevelEasy

Allergens: Gluten. Always check labels.

Pasulj (Serbian Bean Stew)
Photo: Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ingredients

6 servings

    Method

    1. Drain the soaked beans, cover with fresh water, bring to the boil for 10 minutes, then drain.
    2. Cover the beans with about 2 liters of fresh water, add the bay leaves, carrots and half the onion and simmer for 1–1½ hours until tender.
    3. In a pan, fry the rest of the onion and the pepper in the oil until soft and golden. Add the garlic, then the flour and stir for 1 minute.
    4. Take off the heat, stir in the paprika, then add a ladle of bean liquid and stir until smooth.
    5. Stir the mixture into the beans, season and simmer for 20 minutes more until thick.
    6. Serve with parsley and bread. It is even better the next day.
    Cook's tip: For the meaty version, simmer smoked ribs or sausage with the beans. Skip the flour to make it gluten-free.

    Tap a step to tick it off. Times are a guide; ovens, pans and ingredients vary.