Authentic Greek Fasolia: A Hearty White Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups dried white beans
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cans diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried cumin
1 teaspoon dried coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

Soak the white beans in water overnight to soften them.
Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
Sauté the vegetables until they become tender.
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot along with the drained beans.
Season the mixture with cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt.
Add water to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
Check the pot occasionally and add more water if necessary.
Once the beans are tender, turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley.
Stir the Fasolia well to combine all the flavors and serve hot.

Tools for making

Large pot - Used to cook the Fasolia.
Cutting board - Used to chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper.
Knife - Used to chop the vegetables.
Measuring cups - Used to measure the dried white beans and water.
Measuring spoons - Used to measure the dried cumin, dried coriander, ground black pepper, and salt.
Wooden spoon - Used to stir the Fasolia while cooking.
Can opener - Used to open the cans of diced tomatoes.
Saucepan - Used to soak the dried white beans overnight.
Colander - Used to drain the soaked white beans.

Recipe variations

Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
For a spicier version, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Add cooked chicken, beef, or lamb for a meaty twist.
Swap the white beans with kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas.
Include other herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, or paprika.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick.
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cooked beans and stir it back into the dish.
Top with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream as a garnish.

Recipe overview

Fasolia is a hearty and flavorful dish of white beans cooked with vegetables and a blend of spices. This recipe, steeped in Middle Eastern tradition, is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger in the most delicious way possible. The preparation is straightforward and requires common kitchen ingredients. The beans are soaked overnight and then simmered with onions, garlic, carrots, red bell pepper, and tomatoes. A mix of spices including cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt add a depth of flavor to the dish while fresh parsley provides a pop of color and a refreshing touch. Expect a dish that is both comforting and nourishing, perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead. The end result is a pot full of tender beans and vegetables, all melded together in a rich and aromatic broth. Serve it hot and enjoy a meal that's as wholesome as it is tasty.

Common questions

Can I use canned white beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned white beans for this recipe. However, using dried beans will give a more authentic and flavorful result.
Do I have to soak the dried white beans overnight?
Yes, soaking the dried white beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you're short on time, you can also use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes and then letting them soak for an hour.
Can I use different spices or herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different flavors like paprika, chili powder, or oregano to add your own twist.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Traditionally, Fasolia is a vegetarian dish. However, you can certainly add meat, such as diced chicken or beef, if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding the vegetables and beans.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dish. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Fasolia and simmer the ingredients.
Cutting board - A cutting board is essential for chopping and dicing the vegetables.
Knife - A sharp knife should be used to cut the onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are needed to accurately measure the ingredients, such as the dried white beans and water.
Can opener - A can opener is required to open the cans of diced tomatoes.
Serving bowls - Serving bowls are needed for serving the prepared Fasolia.
Garnish - Optional garnishes such as fresh parsley or lemon wedges can be used for serving.

Origin stories

Fasolia, a hearty bean stew, is a staple dish in the cuisines of the Middle East and North Africa. In fact, its name literally means "beans" in Arabic. Fasolia showcases the region's skill in transforming simple, affordable ingredients into a flavorful, nourishing meal. This humble dish, often served with bread and a side salad, is a testament to the region's history of agricultural richness and culinary ingenuity. Its rustic simplicity and heartwarming flavors echo the warmth and hospitality characteristic of Middle Eastern and North African cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.