🥣 Smoked Rib Bean Stew – Traditional Serbian Pasulj

Description

🍖 A hearty Balkan classic! This slow-cooked white bean stew with smoked ribs is rich, comforting, and full of deep, smoky flavor — perfect for cozy days.

Ingredients

• 🫘 400g white beans (pre-soaked overnight)
• 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
• 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 🥕 1 carrot, chopped
• 🌶️ 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 🍖 500g smoked pork ribs (cut into smaller pieces)
• 🛢️ 2 tbsp sunflower oil or lard
• 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
• 🌿 1 bay leaf
• 💧 1.5L water
• Optional thickening (roux):
• 🛢️ 1 tbsp oil
• 🌾 1 tbsp flour
• 🌶️ 1 tsp paprika

Preparation

1. 1. 🫘 Soak beans overnight, rinse and drain before cooking.
2. 2. 🍖 In a large pot, heat oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3. 🥕 Add garlic and carrot, stir briefly.
4. 4. 🧂 Add smoked ribs, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.
5. 5. 💧 Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until beans and ribs are tender.
6. 6. 🌾 For thickening: In a small pan, heat oil, add flour, stir until golden, then add paprika and immediately pour into the stew. Mix well.
7. 7. 🍽️ Let simmer another 5–10 minutes. Serve hot with fresh bread or pickled sides.

Total Time

✍️ Prep: 15 minutes 🔥 Cooking: 2 hours ✅ Total: ~2 hours 15 minutes

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