Discover how to make Ciorbă de Fasole cu Ciolan, a classic Romanian bean soup with smoked pork knuckle. This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender beans, savory smoked pork, and a blend of aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this traditional recipe is a delicious way to experience authentic Romanian cuisine.

Ingredients:

- 500g dried white beans

- 1 smoked pork knuckle

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 carrots, diced

- 1 celery stalk, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 teaspoon thyme

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans:

  - Soak the dried beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.

Cook the Pork Knuckle:

  - In a large pot, cover the smoked pork knuckle with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender. Remove the pork knuckle, let it cool slightly, and shred the meat. Set aside.

Cook the Beans:

  - In a separate large pot, add the soaked beans and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Soup Base:

  - In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Add Flavors:

  - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Combine Ingredients:

  - Add the cooked beans and shredded pork knuckle to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients (about 4 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Final Touches:

  - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.

Serve:

  - Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy!

This hearty Romanian bean soup is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal on a cold day.

Nutritional Values

Dried White Bean (500g)

  - Calories: Approximately 1,680

  - Carbohydrates: 300 g

  - Protein: 105 g

  - Fat: 2 g

  - Fiber: 80 g

Benefits:

  - Excellent source of protein and fiber, promoting digestion and satiety.

  - Rich in essential minerals like iron and magnesium, supporting overall health.

Smoked Pork Knuckle (1)

  - Calories: Approximately 700-900 (varies by size and fat content)

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 50-60 g

  - Fat: 50-70 g

Benefits:

  - High in protein, which supports muscle health and repair.

  - Provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and iron.

Large Onion (1, chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 45

  - Carbohydrates: 11 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, which may reduce inflammation.

  - Adds flavor with minimal calories and supports heart health.

Carrots (2, diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 50

  - Carbohydrates: 12 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0.2 g

  - Fiber: 4 g

Benefits:

  - High in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which support vision and immune health.

  - Provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.

Celery Stalk (1, diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 10

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 0.5 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Fiber: 1 g

Benefits:

  - Low in calories and high in water content, aiding in hydration.

  - Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium.

Garlic Cloves (2, minced)

  - Calories: Approximately 8

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 0.4 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Known for its potential antibacterial and antiviral properties.

  - Supports cardiovascular health and boosts the immune system.

Bay Leaf (1)

  - Calories: Approximately 5

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds aromatic flavor.

  - Contains essential oils that may aid in digestion and provide mild antioxidant benefits.

Thyme (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 1

  - Carbohydrates: 0.3 g

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants and compounds that may have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

  - Adds flavor without adding calories.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: Approximately 30

  - Carbohydrates: 7 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0.5 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in vitamins C and K, and lycopene (an antioxidant).

  - Adds depth and richness to dishes.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: Approximately 240

  - Fat: 27 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Provides essential fatty acids and helps with the cooking process.

  - Opt for heart-healthy oils like olive oil if possible.

Salt (to taste)

  - Sodium: Approximately 2,300 mg per teaspoon

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to high sodium content.

Black Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Approximately 6 per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.3 g

  - Fat: 0.3 g

Benefits:

  - Adds a bit of spice and complexity.

  - Contains piperine, which may aid in digestion and have antioxidant effects.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

  - Calories: Approximately 5 per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.5 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

  - Contains vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.