Bab Leves Hungarian Bean Soup Recipes

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.

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.