This cozy Transylvanian green bean soup is packed with fresh beans and flavorful smoked ham, making it a heartwarming treat! It’s perfect for chilly days when you need something comforting.
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup. Just toss everything in a pot and relax while it simmers. Plus, the smell will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for crunch and flavor. If they’re not in season, frozen green beans work well too. Just thaw before adding them!
Smoked Ham: The smoky ham adds depth. You could swap it for turkey bacon or a plant-based ham alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or chicken broth for a richer flavor. Homemade broth elevates the taste, but store-bought is perfectly fine too!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. If you want a non-dairy option, try coconut yogurt or a cashew cream, which will also give a nice texture.
How Do I Make the Perfect Soup Base?
Building a flavorful soup base is essential for a delicious Transylvanian green bean soup. Start by sautéing the smoked ham first. This infuses the oil with flavor and creates a tasty foundation.
- Heat oil or butter in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced ham and let it brown for 3-4 minutes, enhancing its smoky taste.
- Then, incorporate the chopped vegetables (onion, garlic, carrot, bell pepper) and sauté until they soften.
- Add spices like tomato paste and paprika to deepen the flavor—this step makes a world of difference!
Remember, take your time with these steps. Layering flavors is key for a soup that satisfies!
Easy Transylvanian Green Bean Soup with Smoked Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup smoked ham, diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh or dried dill, to taste (optional)
- 1-2 bay leaves
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- Bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Ham:
Start by heating the vegetable oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced smoked ham. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown and releases a delicious smoky aroma.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced red bell pepper. Cook all these veggies together, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until they soften. This builds a lovely foundation of flavors!
3. Flavor It Up:
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme. Cooking these spices for another minute will deepen the soup’s flavor and make your kitchen smell wonderful!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the broth and add the bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil—this helps blend all those tasty flavors together.
5. Simmer with Green Beans:
Once boiling, add in the fresh green beans. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the beans and carrots are tender. The soup will thicken slightly during this time.
6. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaves before tasting your soup. Season with salt, pepper, and dill if you like a herbaceous kick.
7. Creamy Finish:
For a creamy touch, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream just before serving. You can also serve it on the side for each person to add as they wish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve it hot alongside your favorite crusty bread. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
This soup combines the smoky flavor of ham with fresh green beans in a creamy and comforting broth that’s easy to prepare, yet full of traditional Transylvanian character. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup. This will help achieve the right texture and ensure they’re evenly cooked.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the smoked ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more spices and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Additionally, try using a smoked tofu or tempeh for added protein and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance, just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. Make sure to add any sour cream just before serving to keep it fresh!
