This warm Transylvanian green bean soup is packed with tender green beans and smoky ham, making it a comforting dish that warms you up from the inside. It’s simple but so tasty!
I love making this soup on chilly days. The smoky flavor from the ham really makes it special. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for a little healthy boost! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch to this soup. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen green beans instead. They work just as well and save prep time!
Smoked Ham: The smoky flavor from ham is essential. If you don’t have ham, try using turkey or even diced bacon for a different twist. Vegetarian options like smoked tofu can also add depth.
Sour Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture at the end. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works great too, just stir it in slowly to avoid curdling.
Dried Herbs: Thyme and dill add lovely flavors. Feel free to substitute other dried herbs, like oregano or basil, if that’s what you have on hand. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Vegetables?
Starting with the basics—sautéing your onions and garlic—sets a flavorful foundation for your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your oil or butter on medium. This helps release the natural sugars in the onions, giving depth to the soup.
- Cook the onions and garlic for about 4-5 minutes until they are translucent. Avoid rushing this step; patience pays off!
- When adding in your veggies, such as red bell pepper and ham, sauté for a few more minutes to enhance their flavors before adding the broth.
This step ensures that your veggies are not just cooked but also infused with flavor. Enjoy making this cozy dish!
Cozy Transylvanian Green Bean Soup with Smoked Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked ham, diced
- 500 g (about 1 lb) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried dill (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 200 ml (about ¾ cup) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste or 1 medium tomato, peeled and chopped
- 1 bay leaf
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 30-35 minutes of cooking time. In total, set aside about 50 minutes to enjoy this comforting dish from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
2. Flavoring the Soup:
Next, add the diced smoked ham and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ham to release its smoky goodness.
3. Adding Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste or chopped tomato. Stir this into the mixture until everything is well-combined, and let it cook for a minute.
4. Simmering the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced potatoes, trimmed green beans, dried thyme, bay leaf, and your choice of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
5. Final Touches:
After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the pot. If you’re using dried dill, stir it in at this point. Finally, season the soup with salt and black pepper to your taste, and give it a good stir.
6. Creamy Finish:
Turn off the heat and slowly incorporate the sour cream or heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream; just heat it gently if needed.
7. Serving:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your cozy, smoky, and creamy Transylvanian green bean soup! It’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. 😊
FAQ for Cozy Transylvanian Green Bean Soup with Smoked Ham
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Soup?
Yes, frozen green beans are a great substitute! Just add them directly to the pot when you’d normally add fresh ones. They may need a slightly shorter cooking time, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
What Can I Substitute for Smoked Ham?
If you don’t have smoked ham, you can use diced turkey, bacon, or even smoked tofu for a vegetarian option. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the soup!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add other protein sources, like beans or lentils, to keep it hearty.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency as it may thicken when chilled.
