The national soup of Greece Fasolada!
Fasolada or as the Greek people call their national treasure, Fasoulada.The Greek bean soup that helped Greek people make it through difficult economic periods, like the German occupation and now.
Dry white beans, navy beans, simmered with healthy vegetables is an ideal vegetarian recipe and when you add the olive oil it becomes super healthy. Nice heavy bread makes this a very satisfying winter meal. Olives and feta cheese compliment this dish.
Here is how to make this very delicious Greek Fasolada soup.
- Ingredients
- 3 cups white beans
- 1 carrot
- 1 large onion
- 2 celery sticks
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 cup tomato juice like V8
- ½ cup red wine
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 slices bacon (Cut in small pieces)
Wash beans very well and make sure you remove any little stones …
Wash and cut vegetables
Place the beans in a large pot with cold water to cover well and cook for 25-30 minutes on medium heat
Strain partially cooked beans
In the same pot add 3 tbsp olive oil with bacon and cook for a few minutes
Add the cubed vegetables and sauté for a couple minutes
Place the tomato paste and stir well with the vegetables
Add the wine, ketchup, tomato juice, beans and hot water to cover the beans and 2” more. Cook for 30-40 minutes, medium heat
Season with salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasonings to your liking…
And here is the famous Fasolada …And before I forget smoked herring is also a perfect companion to the Greek Fasolada http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herring_(food)
P.S.If you like you can add the olive oil while the fasolada is cooking, but for best nutritional value add it on the plate just before eating, by drizzling about 2 tbsp in the soup.
P.P.S. They say 1 tbsp of mustard while cooking will eliminate the gas factor!!!!!!!!!! What do you think?
2 Comments