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Traditional Romanian Bean Soup (Ciorba De Fasole) Recipe

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Sauté onions and vegetables, add herbs, tomato paste, beans, and stock, simmer for 30 minutes, then stir in BORS or lemon juice for tanginess. A hearty, flavorful soup ideal for cold weather or cozy dinners. Serve with polenta or bread for an authentic experience.
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Ranah
Updated on Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:07:09 GMT
A bowl of traditional Romanian bean soup. Pin it
A bowl of traditional Romanian bean soup. | tastyblom.com

Transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming traditional Romanian bean soup (Ciorba De Fasole) that combines tender beans with aromatic vegetables in a tangy broth. This comforting soup features a perfect balance of hearty beans and fresh vegetables, finished with the distinctive tang of bors or lemon juice. Each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction in authentic Romanian style.

During my exploration of Romanian cuisine, this soup emerged as the perfect combination of comfort and tradition, becoming my go-to recipe for cozy winter meals.

Essential Elements

  • Quality beans: Dried or canned white beans
  • Fresh vegetables: Creates aromatic base
  • Bors or lemon juice: Provides signature tang
  • Fresh herbs: Dill and parsley add brightness
  • Rich stock: Builds depth of flavor

Creating Soup Magic

Prepare The Base
  • Sauté onions and vegetables until softened and aromatic.
Build The Broth
  • Add beans and stock, bringing to gentle simmer.
Layer The Flavors
  • Season with herbs and spices, allowing flavors to meld.
Add The Tang
  • Incorporate bors or lemon juice for characteristic sourness.
Perfect The Balance
  • Adjust seasonings and thickness to taste.
Finish With Care
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve piping hot.
Create Tradition
  • Serve with salt-dipped onion quarters for authenticity.

My Romanian grandmother always said the secret to perfect ciorba was patience - letting the flavors develop slowly creates the most satisfying soup.

Traditional Romanian bean soup, Ciorba De Fasole, presented in a bowl with herbs. Pin it
Traditional Romanian bean soup, Ciorba De Fasole, presented in a bowl with herbs. | tastyblom.com

Serving Suggestions

Transform this soup into a complete Romanian meal experience by serving it with traditional accompaniments. Offer warm crusty bread or polenta on the side, along with salt-dipped onion quarters. Present in rustic bowls with fresh herb garnish and extra lemon wedges. Consider serving alongside pickled vegetables or a fresh cabbage salad for contrast.

Creative Variations

Elevate this versatile soup by experimenting with different preparations. Try using mixed beans for variety, or add smoked meat for deeper flavor. Create a thicker version by pureeing some beans, or add extra vegetables for a heartier soup. Consider adding traditional Romanian smoked sausage or incorporating seasonal vegetables.

Storage Solutions

Maintain the perfect flavor by storing properly. Keep refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days, adding fresh herbs when reheating. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently and adjust seasoning, adding fresh herbs just before serving.

A bowl of traditional Romanian bean soup, ciorba de fasole, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A bowl of traditional Romanian bean soup, ciorba de fasole, garnished with herbs. | tastyblom.com

Conclusion

This Romanian bean soup has become my comfort food standard. While simple to prepare, attention to detail in cooking creates an authentic taste of Romanian tradition. Remember, good soup takes time - let each step develop fully for the most satisfying results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is BORS?
BORS is a fermented wheat bran liquid used in Romanian cuisine to add a tangy flavor to soups. Substitute with lemon juice if unavailable.
→ Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak and cook dried beans beforehand, or use pre-cooked fresh beans.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
Serve with polenta, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tangy Romanian Bean Soup

A traditional Romanian soup made with beans, vegetables, and a tangy twist, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Romanian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 large onion, chopped
02 3 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
03 2 cans of beans (white beans or kidney beans)
04 1 cup BORS or ½ cup lemon juice (use lemon juice if preferred or BORS is unavailable)
05 8 cups vegetable stock
06 4 tbsp tomato paste
07 2 tbsp dry thyme
08 1 tbsp fresh dill
09 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
10 1 tsp salt
11 ½ tsp pepper

→ Mixed Vegetables

12 1 grated carrot
13 1 small grated parsnip
14 1 chopped pepper
15 1 chopped tomato
16 1 celery stick, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Next, add the grated carrot, grated parsnip, chopped pepper, chopped tomato, and celery. Stir and cook for 7–10 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Sprinkle in the dried thyme and fresh dill. Add the tomato paste and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Rinse the canned beans under cold water to remove excess liquid. Add them to the pot and stir gently. Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the beans and vegetables are fully covered. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes over low to medium heat.

Step 04

Stir in the BORS (or lemon juice) and let the soup cook for another 10 minutes on low heat to develop the tangy flavor.

Step 05

Add the fresh parsley, stir, and serve hot. For an authentic Romanian experience, serve with polenta or fresh bread. Add spicy peppers or fresh onion quarters dipped in salt for extra flavor.

Notes

  1. Don’t rush the simmering process—let the soup cook gently for the full 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
  2. For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the beans and vegetables before adding the BORS.
  3. Always taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Colander (for rinsing beans)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Immersion blender (optional, for thicker soup)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free stock and BORS substitute (lemon juice).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1799
  • Total Fat: 129 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 119 g
  • Protein: 27 g