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Traditional Greek White Bean Soup (Fasolada)

5 from 1 vote
Traditional Greek White Bean Soup, known as Fasolada, is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender white beans, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and olive oil. Naturally vegan and full of Mediterranean flavor, this authentic Greek soup is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and perfect for a satisfying homemade meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Soaking Time 10 hours
Servings: 5 portions
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

1. For Soaking the Beans
  • 400 g white beans (approx. 2 cups)
  • 1 litre water approx. 4¼ cups
  • 1 tbsp salt
2. For the Soup
  • 1.5 litres water for the initial boiling approx. 6⅓ cups, cold water for the initial boiling
  • 1.5 litres approx. 6⅓ cups,, hot water for cooking the soup
  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots
  • Baby celery
  • 1 red pepper
  • 50 ml olive oil approx. 3 tbsp + 1 tsp
  • 350 ml tomato juice approx. 1½ cups
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Rinse the beans: Drain the soaking water and rinse the beans thoroughly under running water.
  3. 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.
  4. Prepare the vegetables: Meanwhile, prepare the carrots, red pepper, onion, and baby celery.
  5. Drain the beans: Discard the water from the first boil and drain the beans thoroughly.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Final simmer: Continue simmering for another 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the soup to develop its rich, comforting taste.
  11. Serve: The hot Fasolada into bowls and enjoy this traditional Greek comfort food!