Authentic Slanac: A Traditional Serbian Dish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of white beans
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 100 grams of bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 1 sausage, cut into slices
  • 1 liter of water
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the white beans in water overnight to soften them.
  2. Drain the beans the next day and put them in a large pot.
  3. Add the water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer for about an hour.
  5. While the beans are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a pan.
  6. Add the chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrots to the pan and sauté them until they are soft.
  7. Add the bacon and sausage to the pan and cook them until they are browned.
  8. Add the bay leaves, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan and stir well.
  9. When the beans are cooked, add the sautéed ingredients to the pot and mix well.
  10. Let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors are well combined.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Used to cook the white beans
  • Pan - Used to sauté the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrots
  • Stove - Used to heat the pot and pan
  • Knife - Used to finely chop the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrots
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping the vegetables
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the paprika, salt, and black pepper
  • Wooden spoon - Used to stir the soup while it simmers

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon and sausage to make the recipe meat-free.
  • Spicy version: Add some chopped chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier flavor.
  • Smoky twist: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to add a smoky flavor to the dish.
  • Herb-infused: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the aroma and taste.
  • Chunky style: Instead of finely chopping the vegetables, leave them in larger chunks for a heartier texture.
  • Vegetable variation: Swap or add different vegetables like zucchini, celery, or bell peppers to customize the recipe.
  • Bean choice: Experiment with different types of beans like kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Creamy option: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end to create a creamy and rich Slanac.
  • Grain addition: Serve the Slanac over a bed of cooked rice or with a side of crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

Recipe overview

Slanac is a hearty and comforting soup that originates from the Balkan region. The recipe uses simple ingredients such as white beans, vegetables, and cured meats to create a flavorful and filling dish. The beans are soaked overnight to soften them, then simmered with a variety of finely chopped vegetables and meats, creating a rich and satisfying stew. The dish is seasoned with bay leaves, paprika, salt, and pepper, adding depth and warmth to the soup. Preparation of Slanac is straightforward, though it requires some time for soaking and simmering the beans to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. This recipe will serve about 4-6 people, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or potlucks. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome of this traditional Balkan recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned beans instead of soaking and cooking dried beans?
  2. Yes, you can use canned white beans as a time-saving alternative. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the recipe.
  3. Can I use a different type of bean?
  4. While Slanac traditionally uses white beans, you can experiment with other types of beans such as navy beans or cannellini beans if you prefer.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
  6. Yes, you can omit the bacon and sausage to make this recipe vegetarian. For a vegan version, use vegetable oil instead of bacon fat and omit the sausage as well.
  7. Can I freeze Slanac for later?
  8. Yes, Slanac can be frozen for later consumption. Just ensure that it is stored in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
  9. What can I serve with Slanac?
  10. Slanac is traditionally served with crusty bread or cornbread. It can also be enjoyed with a side salad for a complete meal.
  11. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?
  12. Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, or paprika according to your preference. Taste the soup as you go and add more seasoning if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Slanac is a hearty traditional dish that hails from the Balkans, specifically Bosnia and Herzegovina. This humble yet flavorful dish is rooted deep in the region's history and is often served during the cold winter months. The name 'Slanac' is derived from the word 'slanina' which means bacon in Bosnian, indicating the importance of this ingredient in the dish. Despite the simplicity of its ingredients, Slanac carries the warmth and hospitality of Bosnian homes, acting as a delicious testament to the region's folkloric cuisine. This dish, like much of Bosnian cuisine, tells a story of survival and resilience, utilizing simple, available ingredients to create meals that can sustain and comfort.

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.