Entree: Serbia – Pasulj (Hearty Serbian bean stew with smoked meats)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 2 hrs 30 min

Total 2 hrs 50 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) dried white or cranberry beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 lb (450 g) smoked pork ribs, cut into pieces
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage (such as smoked kielbasa), sliced
- 4 oz (115 g) bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, about 8 oz (225 g), finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, about 6 oz (170 g), diced
- 2 stalks celery, about 3 oz (85 g), diced
- 4 cloves garlic, about 12 g, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) sweet paprika (preferably Hungarian)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
- 8 cups (1.9 L) water or pork/beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Drain soaked beans and set aside. In a large heavy pot, add bacon and vegetable oil over medium heat and cook until bacon fat renders and pieces begin to crisp, about 4 minutes.
2. Add smoked pork ribs to the pot and brown briefly on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove ribs and set aside with bacon. Add sliced sausage and brown for 2–3 minutes; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened and beginning to color, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Return ribs and bacon to the pot. Stir in paprika and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
5. Add drained beans, bay leaves, and 8 cups (1.9 L) water or stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook until beans are tender, about 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally and skimming foam as needed.
6. Once beans are tender, remove ribs to a cutting board. Cut meat from bones and return meat to the pot; discard bones. Add sliced sausage back to the stew.
7. Add vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the stew is too thin, mash a cup of beans against the side of the pot and stir to thicken, or simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes until desired consistency.
8. Simmer everything together for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors. Remove bay leaves, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with bread.