Hungarian Bean Soup Recipe 45

BAB LEVES (HUNGARIAN BEAN SOUP)

Steps:

• Quick soak method - Boil beans for 5 minutes in enough water to cover them completely, then cover pan and let soak for 1 hour.
• Drain and rinse the beans and put them in a large pot.
• Add the salt, pepper, carrot, leek, garlic, and meat.
• Add stock plus enough water to cover 2" above the beans and meat; bring to a simmer.
• Simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender (2 1/2 - 3 hours), adding water as needed to keep the beans covered; then remove meat to a separate plate.
• In a heavy saucepan, melt fat or warm oil and sauté onions until they wilt.
• Mix in the paprika and then the flour.
• Gently fry, stirring constantly until flour turns golden beige (2-3 minutes) (be careful not to scorch the flour and not to get any on you).
• Add the parsley.
• Thin roux with 1/2 cup to a cup of the broth from the soup; mix well, then slowly pour back into the soup.
• Let simmer for 10 minutes (then if soup is too thin simmer for 5-10 more minutes; if too thick slowly add hot water and simmer for 2-3 more minutes).
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Blend some soup into the sour cream to keep it from curdling when you add it, then add it to the soup.
• Mix in the vinegar and taste soup for seasonings.
• Cut the meat into bite sized pieces and return them to the soup.
• Reheat soup before serving.

CREAMY HUNGARIAN BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Soak navy beans overnight.
• Drain them and place in large soup pot with onions, leek, carrots, and garlic.
• Add water to an inch above the level of the beans. Bring them to a boil and then simmer, covered, until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Make a light taupe-colored roux from the flour & butter in a small saucepan.
• Mix in the salt, pepper, and paprika. Ladle out 2 cups of the hot bean water and slowly stir it into the flour until smooth. Add the flour mixture to the beans, stirring constantly. Remove the soup from the heat and whisk in the sour cream and then the vinegar.
• Gently reheat the soup for about 10 minutes.

HUNGARIAN BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Cover beans with water by 2 inches and bring to a boil. Let stand 1 hour, then drain. Cover with about 2 quarts water, add ham hocks, and bring to a boil. Cook until beans are very tender, about 1 hour.
• In a medium bowl, mix flour with enough water to form a smooth, thin paste. Stir in sour cream, then milk and mix well. Add the mixture to the beans. Add the vinegar. Bring soup to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.