If you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and authentic Romanian soup, Bors de Fasole is the perfect recipe. This delightful sour soup is made without meat, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians or those craving something lighter. It’s especially popular during the summer, as it can be served chilled for a refreshing meal. And let me tell you, it’s the ultimate comfort food after a long night of celebration!
For the best flavor, I recommend using fresh, homegrown vegetables if you have a garden. If not, see if you can source some from a local farmer or a friend in the countryside. Trust me, the difference in taste is incredible. Here’s my tried-and-true recipe that I’m excited to share with you.
Traditional Romanian Bean Soup
This traditional sour bean soup is a light, meat-free dish made with tender beans, fresh vegetables, and fermented wheat bran sour broth. Perfect for any season, it can be served hot, warm, or chilled. The soup begins with carefully boiled beans for a creamy texture, followed by sautéed vegetables for added depth and flavor. Finished with a touch of fresh thyme and parsley, it’s a healthy, satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, raw onions, or spicy chili peppers. Simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, it’s a comforting dish everyone will love!
Medium
Equipment
1 large pot
1 kitchen knife
1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
150 g beans dried - 3 carrots
- 2 onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil or olive oil
- 1 bunch green thyme
- 1 bunch green parsley
- 500 ml borș substitute with lemon juice, vinegar, or sauerkraut juice if unavailable
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly rinsing the beans and soaking them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them again, then place them in a pot with fresh water and bring to a boil. Let the beans cook for about 20–30 minutes, then drain the water and replace it with hot water to prevent the beans from hardening. Repeat this process two more times for a total of three boils.This step not only enhances the flavor but also makes the beans easier to digest.
- While the beans are boiling, clean and chop the vegetables. Dice the carrots and red bell pepper, and roughly chop the onions. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the vegetables. Sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn lightly golden. This step builds a rich, aromatic base for your soup.
- Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the hot water from the beans and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. When it begins to boil, add the pre-cooked beans and season with salt to taste. Let everything cook together until the flavors meld beautifully.
- Towards the end, pour in the fermented wheat bran sour broth (borsch) and let it come to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat and let it cool down a bit then sprinkle the fresh thyme and parsley over the top without stirring. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup rest for a few minutes to infuse the herbs' vibrant aroma.
- Serve this soup hot, warm, or even chilled. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, raw onions, or spicy chili peppers on the side. Whether it’s a light lunch or a comforting dinner, Romanian Bean Soup is guaranteed to bring joy to your table.Enjoy this delicious, traditional Romanian dish! It's simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
Notes
If you don’t have fermented wheat bran sour broth, you can substitute it with lemon juice, vinegar, or even sauerkraut juice for a tangy flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this delicious sour bean soup recipe? Share your thoughts, tips, or tweaks in the comments below. Let us know how it turned out for you, or if you have any special touches that make it even better. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this delicious sour bean soup recipe? Share your thoughts, tips, or tweaks in the comments below. Let us know how it turned out for you, or if you have any special touches that make it even better. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome!
Nutrition
Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 220mgPotassium: 271mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4947IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
