Fasolada -Greek White Bean Soup
Happy New Year all! I start this year sharing a simple, homey, and absolutely delicious white bean soup. Fasolada is gently seasoned, healthy, creamy Greek white bean soup. I make it with small great northern beans. Perfect winter fare. Granted this week is mild by New York Winter standards.
My Fasolada Story
Since I am not a huge fan of chilly cold wintery days, the weather has been the highlight of my week. The year has not started out on a great note for me. Fortunately, it can only get uphill from here. At least, that is what I want to believe. Among other things, I returned rather sick and wallet less from India. I am happy to note that I have recovered and gotten over my jet lag.
This week is rather low key in my kitchen. Food must go on. That never ceases to be the mantra in my house. School started for my teen babies. This week we survived on pantry staples and food that I had frozen before I left.
My pantry is always brimming with loads of legumes. And my stash of little white beans happily became this very satisfying soup.
A few notes on the soup
- Despite the fact that white beans cook relatively quickly, it is important to soak them overnight to get the creamy rich texture.
- Tomatoes may or may mot be used for this soup. If you are not using tomatoes, use lots of fresh lemon juice.
- The quality of olive is important. Use an assertive and fruity variety as the soup gets finished off with a nice dribble of olive oil.
- Oregano! Lots of it! A perfectly perky herb for this time of the year.
- And then, if you so desire, serve this with a nice crusty bread.
Aadi and I have both been love the Trader Joe’s Multigrain Sourdough Bread. After all, what’s not to love? Seriously good stuff.. At least in my world.
Another greek style recipe to follow is my Greek Style meatballs and if white beans are your think just like me, you might want to try this five ingredient white bean soup.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot and Air Fryer Facebook group .
Pick up a copy of my Instant pot cookbook Instant Indian here, along with The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
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An easy wholesome and comforting white bean soup. Fasolada is perfect for an easy and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white beans (such as great northern beans) soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup extra virgrin olive oil plus extra to finish the soup
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped oregano
- 3 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans and set aside.
- Turn the instant pot onto saute mode, add in the 1/4 cup olive oi. Heat for 2 minutes. Add in the onions and garlic and saute for 4 minutes. Add in the celery, carrots and stir well.
- Turn off the heat. Add in the beans, oregano, tomatoe puree, paprika and cayenne pepper (if using) water and salt and stir well.
- Cover and set to cook for 20 minutes and allow a natural release.
- Remove the cover and stir well.
- Serve in bowls drizzled with some additional olive oil.
Notes
To make this on the stove top, follow the above instructions and cook in a heavy bottomed pot such as a Dutch Oven. Increase the amount of water by a cup and cook the beans covered for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Jess
Could you make this in an instant pot with dried beans?
rinkub@aol.com
Yes you can by just increasing the cooking time. However, if you do soak the beans you will have a creamier result.