Ciorbă de Fasole, a traditional Romanian bean soup, boasts a rich history rooted in Romanian culinary heritage. Made with dried beans, smoked meats, and an array of vegetables, this hearty dish is seasoned with fragrant herbs and sometimes a splash of vinegar for a distinctive flavor profile. Its origins trace back to rural Romania, where it served as a nourishing staple for generations. The recipe has evolved over time, with regional variations adding depth to its cultural significance. Today, Ciorbă de Fasole remains a beloved dish, cherished for its comforting warmth and robust taste, embodying the essence of Romanian cuisine.

Ingredients:

- Dried white beans (such as navy beans or great northern beans)

- Smoked meat (like bacon, ham hock, or smoked sausage)

- Onion

- Carrots

- Celery

- Potatoes

- Tomato paste

- Bay leaves

- Paprika

- Salt and pepper

- Fresh parsley

- Vinegar (optional)

Method:

  - Rinse the dried beans and soak them in water overnight.

  - In a large pot, cook the smoked meat until browned. Remove and set aside.

  - Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened.

  - Add the soaked beans, smoked meat, potatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and paprika to the pot.

  - Cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender.

  - Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a splash of vinegar if desired.

Nutrition Value:

Dried white beans (such as navy beans or great northern beans):

  - Calories: Approximately 200 calories per 1/2 cup serving (cooked)

  - Carbohydrates: About 35 grams

  - Protein: Around 12 grams

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Fiber: Provides about 7 grams of dietary fiber

  - Minerals: Good source of iron, magnesium, and potassium

  - Vitamins: Rich in folate, thiamine, and vitamin B6

benefits: High in fiber and protein, promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports heart health.

Smoked meat (like bacon, ham hock, or smoked sausage):

  - Nutritional values can vary depending on the specific type and cut of meat.

  - Generally high in protein and fat.

  - Can be high in sodium and cholesterol, so consumption should be moderate.

  - Provides essential amino acids and certain vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.

Onion:

  - Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: About 9 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, supports immune system, may help lower blood sugar levels.

Carrots:

  - Calories: Approximately 41 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: About 10 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), good source of vitamin K and vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of calcium and iron

benefits: Promotes eye health, boosts immune system, supports skin health, may help lower cholesterol levels.

Celery:

  - Calories: Approximately 16 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: About 3 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.7 grams

  - Fat: Less than 0.2 grams

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin K and vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of calcium and magnesium

benefits: Low in calories, hydrating, supports digestion, may help reduce inflammation.

Potatoes:

  - Calories: Approximately 77 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: About 17 grams

  - Protein: Around 2 grams

  - Fat: Less than 0.2 grams

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of magnesium and iron

benefits: Provides energy, supports digestion, contains resistant starch which may promote gut health, rich in antioxidants.

Tomato paste:

  - Calories: Approximately 82 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: About 18 grams

  - Protein: Around 4 grams

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of calcium and iron

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supports heart health, may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Bay leaves:

  - Calories: Negligible (used in small quantities)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, and iron

benefits: Provides essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties, aids in digestion, may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Paprika:

  - Calories: Approximately 19 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Good source of vitamin A and vitamin E

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and potassium

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supports immune system, may improve digestion and circulation.

Salt and pepper:

  - Calories: Negligible (used in small quantities)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Depending on the amount used, can contribute to sodium intake.

benefits: Adds flavor to dishes, regulates fluid balance, necessary for nerve and muscle function.

Fresh parsley:

  - Calories: Approximately 36 calories per 100 grams

  - Carbohydrates: About 6 grams

  - Protein: Around 3 grams

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Low

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C, good source of vitamin A

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, and iron

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supports bone health, may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Vinegar (optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 3 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.1 gram

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Very low

benefits: May aid in digestion, can add tangy flavor to dishes, may help regulate blood sugar levels.

These nutritional components provide a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, contributing to a healthy and flavorful dish.