Bean Soup (Bableves)

Ahhh yes — Bean Soup (Bableves) 🥣 — a traditional Hungarian/Polish-inspired hearty bean soup, often simple, rustic, and packed with flavor. “Bableves” literally means “bean soup” in Hungarian, and it’s the kind of comforting soup you’d find on a cold day.

Here’s a classic, cozy version:

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Bableves (Bean Soup)

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 1 cup dried white beans (navy, cannellini, or great northern)

• 6 cups water or low-sodium broth

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 carrots, diced

• 1–2 celery stalks, diced

• 1–2 medium potatoes, diced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

• ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional in Hungarian versions)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• Optional: smoked sausage or ham bone for richer flavor

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the beans

1. Rinse beans, then soak overnight in water OR quick-soak by boiling 5 minutes, then letting sit 1 hour.

2. Drain and rinse.

2️⃣ Start the soup

1. In a large pot, heat oil or butter. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.

2. Add paprika (and caraway if using), stir briefly to release aroma.

3️⃣ Cook the beans

1. Add soaked beans, water/broth, and bay leaf.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

3. Cover and simmer 1–1½ hours, until beans are tender.

4️⃣ Add potatoes (and meat if using)

1. Add diced potatoes (and sausage or ham bone if desired).

2. Continue cooking until potatoes are tender, 15–20 minutes.

5️⃣ Season & serve

• Remove bay leaf and any bones.

• Taste and adjust salt & pepper.

• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Tips for the Best Bableves

• Paprika timing matters: sautéing it briefly releases maximum flavor.

• Use broth if you want a richer soup, especially if skipping meat.

• Smoky flavor: a ham hock or smoked sausage adds authentic depth.

• Make ahead: like most bean soups, flavors deepen if it sits overnight.

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If you want, I can give a “Hearty, Rustic Bableves” version that’s almost like a stew — extra thick, loaded with veggies and smoky sausage, perfect for a filling meal.