Traditional Greek White Bean Soup, known as Fasolada, is one of Greece’s most beloved comfort foods. Made with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and olive oil, this hearty soup is full of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Simple, nutritious, and naturally vegan, Fasolada has been a staple of Greek home cooking for generations. It’s the perfect meal for colder days, bringing warmth and comfort to the table with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Greek home cooking: A traditional Fasolada inspired by the comforting flavors of Greek family kitchens.
- Simple, affordable ingredients: Made with dried white beans, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and olive oil.
- Naturally vegan: A satisfying, meat-free meal that’s full of flavor.
- Hearty and nourishing: Tender beans and vegetables make this soup filling and perfect for colder days.
- Even better the next day: The flavors continue to develop as the soup rests, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
My Tips for the Perfect Fasolada
- Soak the beans overnight: Allow the dried white beans to soak for 8–10 hours before cooking. This helps them hydrate evenly and promotes more consistent cooking.
- Let the beans rest in hot water: After the first 15-minute simmer, remove the pot from the heat and leave the beans in the hot water for a few more minutes. This extra resting time helps them soften further before the next stage of cooking.
- Add the tomatoes later: Wait until the beans have softened before adding the tomatoes. Their acidity can slow down the softening process if added too early.
- Let the soup simmer gently: Avoid boiling too vigorously during the final stage. A gentle simmer helps the flavors come together while keeping the beans intact.
Watch the Video Recipe
Want to see how traditional Greek Fasolada is made? Watch my step-by-step video recipe and follow along as I prepare this comforting white bean soup, from soaking the beans to the final simmer.
Enjoy the video, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more authentic Greek recipes!
Traditional Greek White Bean Soup (Fasolada)
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the beans: Place 400 g of dried white beans in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 litre of water. Stir until the salt dissolves completely. Leave the beans to soak for 8–10 hours or overnight.
- Rinse the beans: Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans thoroughly under running water.
- First boil and rest: Transfer the beans to a large pot and add 1.5 litres of fresh water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the beans rest in the hot water for a few more minutes. This resting time helps the beans soften further, making them more tender.
- Prepare the vegetables: Meanwhile, prepare the carrots, red pepper, onion, and baby celery.
- Drain the beans: Discard the water from the first boil and drain the beans thoroughly.
- Add the vegetables: Return the beans to the pot and add the prepared vegetables. Cooking the vegetables directly in the soup gives a lighter result, while sautéing them first is an option for a richer flavor.
- Continue cooking: Pour in 1.5 litres of hot water and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Continue cooking as needed until the beans are tender.
- Add the tomatoes: Once the beans have softened, add the tomatoes. Stir gently to combine. Adding the tomatoes juice at this stage helps the beans cook until tender before the tomato is introduced.
- Add the olive oil and seasoning: Pour in 50 ml of olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Final simmer: Continue simmering for another 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the soup to develop its rich, comforting taste.
- Serve: The hot Fasolada into bowls and enjoy this traditional Greek comfort food!
How to Serve Fasolada
Serve Fasolada hot, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
For a traditional Greek meal, pair it with Kalamata olives, tangy pickled vegetables, or a little crumbled feta cheese.
For an authentic Greek pairing, try serving Fasolada with salted or smoked fish, especially smoked herring. The salty, smoky flavor contrasts beautifully with the comforting bean soup and makes for a delicious combination.
Fasolada is also wonderful the next day, when the flavors have had more time to develop.
Kali Orexi! (Καλή Όρεξη!) — Enjoy your meal, the Greek way!
Great recipe!