The Coziest Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Style Recipe for Winter

Hearty soups have a magical way of warming cold evenings, and this vegan white bean soup Serbian style brings authentic comfort to your table.

Eastern European kitchens know how to craft soul-satisfying meals with simple ingredients.

Serbia’s culinary traditions shine through in this plant-based classic that celebrates wholesome flavors and nutritious beans.

Each spoonful carries the rich, earthy essence of traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

The soup brims with robust seasonings and tender white beans that meld into a deeply satisfying meal.

Aromatic herbs and vegetables create a symphony of taste that transports you straight to a cozy Serbian kitchen.

Let this recipe become your new favorite winter comfort dish.

Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Style: Comforting Notes

• Whip up this hearty Serbian-style soup with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a nutritious meal.
• Packed with protein-rich white beans and freekeh, this vegan soup delivers a satisfying, wholesome dining experience that nourishes body and soul.
• Transport your taste buds to Serbia through this traditional-inspired recipe, offering a delightful twist on classic comfort food without meat.
• Leverage everyday pantry staples to create a deeply flavorful soup that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly delicious and uncomplicated.

White Bean Soup – Everything You’ll Need

• Freekeh: A hearty, nutty whole grain that adds rich texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup with a light and savory profile.

• White Beans: A creamy, protein-packed legume that brings a smooth consistency to the Serbian-style soup.
• TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein): An alternative protein source that offers a meat-like texture for added substance.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the soup.

Must-Have Soup-Making Equipment

• High-Speed Blender: Essential for grinding freekeh with precise pulse function.
• Large Soup Pot: Perfect for combining and simmering soup ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure freekeh and vegetable broth.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing soup components.

Steps to Wholesome Serbian Bean Soup

Step 1: Gather Powerful Soup Ingredients

Collect dried white beans, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, fresh parsley, olive oil, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and optional vegan sour cream for serving.

Step 2: Soak White Beans

Rinse dried white beans thoroughly.

Place beans in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water.

Allow beans to soak overnight at room temperature, which helps soften them and reduce cooking time.

Step 3: Chop Aromatic Vegetables

Peel and dice onions into small uniform pieces.

Wash and slice carrots and celery into thin rounds.

Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery.

Sauté vegetables until onions become translucent and slightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5: Build Soup Foundation

• Drained soaked beans
• Minced garlic
• Bay leaves
• Vegetable broth

Add prepared ingredients to the pot.

Pour enough vegetable broth to completely cover beans and vegetables.

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low simmer.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Cover pot and let soup simmer slowly for 60-75 minutes.

Stir occasionally and check bean tenderness.

Add more broth if liquid reduces too quickly.

Step 7: Season and Finish

Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaves.

If desired, use immersion blender to partially blend soup for creamier texture.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Optional: Add dollop of vegan sour cream.

Serve hot with crusty bread on side.

Tricks for Heartier Bean Soup Bowls

• Rinse white beans thoroughly and soak overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to enhance the traditional Serbian soup's rich, earthy taste profile.
• Keep extra vegetable broth nearby to thin the soup if it becomes too thick during simmering.
• Choose fresh or canned white beans like cannellini or great northern for authentic texture and creamy mouthfeel.
• Incorporate crumbled tofu or additional TVP to increase the soup's nutritional value and make it more filling.

White Bean Soup – Ways to Customize

• Protein-Packed Alternative: Replace freekeh with quinoa or lentils for added protein and different texture while maintaining the Serbian soup style.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to enhance the soup's aromatic profile and create a more complex flavor palette.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap freekeh with rice or gluten-free grain alternatives like millet to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Balkan Remix: Add smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne to introduce a fiery kick typical of Balkan cuisine's bold flavor traditions.

Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Serving

• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve this hearty Serbian-style soup alongside thick slices of crusty sourdough or traditional peasant bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
• Herb Garden Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, dill, or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, green burst of flavor and extra nutritional boost.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair the soup with a small side salad of mixed greens or a simple cabbage slaw to create a balanced, warming meal that satisfies both hunger and comfort cravings.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the soup's protein content by adding a dollop of vegan sour cream or crumbled plant-based feta cheese as a creamy, tangy garnish.

White Bean Soup: How to Store It Right

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's covered tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this Serbian-style white bean soup unique?

This soup traditionally uses white beans, freekeh or TVP for protein, and typically includes onions, garlic, and specific Serbian seasonings that give it a rich, hearty flavor profile.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the combination of white beans and freekeh provides a complete protein source, making it a nutritionally dense meal that offers significant plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals.

• Can I substitute freekeh if I can't find it?

Absolutely! You can use TVP (textured vegetable protein) as an alternative, which offers similar protein content and can be prepared following the same soaking method in vegetable broth.

Vegan White Bean Soup Serbian Style Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 9 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Serbian white bean soup offers a hearty culinary journey through traditional Balkan comfort. Packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, home cooks can savor this nourishing plant-based dish that connects you to authentic Eastern European cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 onions, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 leeks
• 2 carrots
• 3 slices celery root/celeriac (about finger thick)

Canned & Pantry Items:

• 2 cans white beans
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 8 cups (2 liters) vegetable stock
• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) freekeh, cracked
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Herbs & Spices:

• 2 teaspoons marjoram
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 bunches parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 4 teaspoons paprika powder, sweet
• 1 teaspoon smoked salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize freekeh using a high-speed blender with pulse function until finely ground.
2. Submerge ground freekeh or TVP in vegetable broth, ensuring complete coverage, and allow to soak overnight at room temperature.
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
5. Incorporate white beans, chopped carrots, and celery into the pot, stirring to combine with onion and garlic mixture.
6. Pour in remaining vegetable broth and soaked freekeh or TVP, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
7. Season the soup with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or herbs to enhance the overall flavor profile.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

Notes

• Toast freekeh or TVP in a dry skillet before soaking to enhance its nutty flavor and create deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Choose low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning during cooking process.
• Soak beans overnight or use quick-soak method to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• When preparing vegan versions, add nutritional yeast or smoked paprika to boost umami and create depth similar to traditional meat-based Serbian soups.

• Prep Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Serbian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg