Romanian Bean Soup
A hearty Romanian bean soup featuring tender lima beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians or meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak lima beans for 5-6 hours or overnight.
- Drain beans and rinse well to remove any loose shells.
- Place beans in a crockpot with 8 cups of water, chopped onion, carrot, garlic, and bouillon cube.
- Cover and cook on low for 18 hours or until beans are tender.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and sauté diced onions until browned.
- Add the sautéed onions to the bean soup and stir.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the sautéed onions. If you don't have beef bouillon, vegetable bouillon works well for a vegetarian version. Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you're short on time, canned lima beans can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bean soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad. Consider serving it alongside Molded Carrot Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor. It's also great topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if the soup has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Romanian Bean Soup contains roughly 717 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (223% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1065mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a regular pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can make this soup in a regular pot. After soaking the beans, combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
What can I serve with Romanian Bean Soup?
Romanian Bean Soup is hearty on its own but can be complemented with a side of homemade bread or cornbread. For a complete meal, pair it with a light salad, such as Cherry Soup With Elan, which adds a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
Can I use other beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While lima beans are traditional, you can substitute with other beans like cannellini or navy beans. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different beans may require adjustments to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).