Albanian White Bean Soup (Jani Me Fasule) Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m going to share with you one of my favorite Albanian recipes, the Jani Me Fasule, or Albanian White Bean Soup. This soup is a staple in Albanian cuisine and is a perfect comfort food for any time of the year.

The Albanian White Bean Soup is a rich, delicious soup that packs a punch of flavors. It is a traditional Albanian dish that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is a reflection of the country’s diverse history and culture.

One of the things that I love about this soup is that it is incredibly easy to make. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious soup that will warm your soul. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty and delicious soup that will warm you up on a cold day? Look no further than this Albanian White Bean Soup, also known as Jani Me Fasule. This soup is a traditional Albanian dish that packs a punch of flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.

What makes this soup so special? For starters, it’s made with dry white beans that are washed and picked over before being cooked to perfection. The beans are then combined with a rich tomato paste, sweet paprika, and chili powder to give the soup a bold and savory flavor. The addition of butter adds a touch of richness to the dish, while the flat leaf parsley adds a fresh and earthy flavor.

But the real star of the show is the olive oil. The soup is finished with a drizzle of olive oil, which gives it a smooth and silky texture. The olive oil also adds a touch of richness and depth to the dish, making it all the more satisfying.

This soup is perfect for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner. It’s also a great option for Suhoor and Iftar meals during the Ramadan season, as it will keep you full and satisfied from sunrise to Fajr or Futoor to Iftar.

Overall, this Albanian White Bean Soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves rich, delicious soups that are packed with flavor. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this soup is a traditional Albanian favorite and a must-try for any soup lover.

Ingredient List

Before we start cooking the Albanian White Bean Soup (Jani Me Fasule), let’s take a look at the ingredient list. This recipe is a traditional Albanian bean soup, so the ingredients are simple and humble, yet full of flavor. Most of the items you’ll need are probably already in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound dry white beans, washed and picked over
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1-2 carrots, chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• sea salt to taste

Note that depending on the region of Albania, the recipe may vary slightly. Some recipes call for the addition of chopped bell pepper or even a can of crushed tomatoes. However, this recipe is the most traditional and basic version of Jani Me Fasule.

The Recipe How-To

Now, it’s time to dive into the recipe and get started with making this delicious Albanian white bean soup. This recipe is quite simple and can be made using either an Instant Pot or a regular pot on the stove.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dry white beans, washed and picked through.
• 1 medium onion, chopped.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
• 2 tbsp olive oil.
• 3 tbsp butter.
• 1 tbsp tomato paste.
• 1 tsp sea salt.
• 1 tsp sweet paprika.
• 1/4 tsp chili powder.
• 4 cups of water.
• Flat-leaf parsley for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onions and carrots: In a pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.

2. Add the tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, sea salt, sweet paprika, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Add the white beans and water: Add the dry white beans and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

4. Cook the soup: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender. If you’re using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 40 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes.

5. Garnish and serve: Once the beans are tender, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender in batches. Be careful not to overfill the blender with hot liquid. Garnish the soup with chopped flat-leaf parsley and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

This Albanian white bean soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be paired with your favorite bread, crackers, or even a salad. It’s perfect for suhoor, futoor, and iftar meals during the sunrise (Fajr) and sunset (Maghrib) prayer times.

Substitutions and Variations:

• You can use different types of beans such as black beans, 15-bean mix, or even chickpeas.
• If you want to add more vegetables, you can add chopped bell pepper, celery, or even zucchini.
• For a vegan version of this soup, you can replace the butter with olive oil and skip the garnish of flat-leaf parsley.

This recipe is inspired by the traditional Albanian white bean soup (Jani Me Fasule) and is a great way to enjoy

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to put a spin on this Albanian White Bean Soup recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Black beans: While the recipe calls for white beans, you could easily swap them out for black beans if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but the soup will still be delicious.

– Bell pepper: To add some extra color and crunch to the soup, try adding a chopped bell pepper. Red, yellow, or orange peppers would all work well.

– Chili powder: If you want to add a little heat to the soup, try adding some chili powder. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

– Carrots: Adding some chopped carrots to the soup is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. They’ll add a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture.

– Tomato sauce: If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, you can use tomato sauce instead. Just be aware that the soup may be slightly thinner if you use sauce.

– Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, you can make this soup in an Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions for soaking the beans, then cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, with a natural release.

– Suhoor/Futoor/Iftar: This soup is a traditional Albanian dish that’s often served during the month of Ramadan. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for breaking the fast (iftar) or for eating before dawn (suhoor/futoor).

No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, the rich, delicious soup is sure to be a hit. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect version of this traditional Albanian dish.

Serving and Pairing

This Albanian White Bean Soup (Jani Me Fasule) is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or as a starter. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil to give it an extra creaminess and richness.

This soup pairs well with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of rice, couscous or quinoa to make it a complete meal.

If you’re looking for a traditional Albanian meal, serve this soup with a side of feta cheese and olives. It’s a perfect combination that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey to the Mediterranean.

This soup is also great for special occasions like Ramadan, where it’s usually served during Suhoor or Iftar meals. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

No matter how you serve it, this Albanian White Bean Soup is a rich and delicious soup that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab a cozy blanket, curl up on the couch, and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of white bean soup!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This Albanian White Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To store in the refrigerator, let the soup cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

If you prefer to freeze the soup, make sure to let it cool down completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or plastic bags. The soup will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

When reheating the soup, add some water or broth to thin it out if it has become too thick. You may also need to adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or chili powder. As with most soups, the flavors will intensify over time, making this a great soup to make ahead and store for later use.

One of the best parts about this soup is that it is perfect for any meal of the day. It’s a rich and delicious soup that is great for suhoor or futoor during Ramadan, or as a hearty lunch or dinner any other time of the year. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including bread, salad, or grilled meats.

Overall, this soup is a great option for those who love traditional Albanian food or anyone looking for a flavorful and filling bean soup. It’s easy to make, stores well, and packs a punch of flavor that is sure to satisfy.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you have the recipe and ingredients list for Albanian White Bean Soup, let’s talk about some tips to ensure that your soup is rich and delicious. Remember, the soup is only as good as the ingredients you use and the way you prepare it. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Albanian White Bean Soup.

Firstly, use good quality dry white beans. The beans are the star of the show, so it’s essential to use high-quality beans. You can buy them at any grocery store, and they come in different brands and sizes. Be sure to wash and pick the beans for any dirt or debris before using them.

Secondly, sauté the onions and bell pepper until they are soft and translucent. The onions and bell pepper create the base of the soup and add depth and flavor to the dish. Make sure to chop them finely and cook them until they are completely soft.

Thirdly, use tomato paste instead of canned tomatoes. Tomato paste is thicker and richer than canned tomatoes, giving the soup a more concentrated tomato flavor. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sautéed onions and bell pepper to create a depth of flavor.

Fourthly, use sweet paprika and chili powder to give the soup a little bit of a kick. These spices add a depth of flavor and complexity to the soup, making it more flavorful and delicious.

Fifthly, let the soup simmer for a more extended period. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will develop, and the creamier the soup will become. If you’re using an Instant Pot, set it to cook for at least 30 minutes.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to add a little bit of sea salt and flat-leaf parsley to enhance the flavors of the soup. Sea salt brings out the natural flavors of the soup, while flat-leaf parsley adds a bright freshness to the dish.

Following these tips will help you make a rich, delicious soup that’s a good part of Suhoor, Futoor, or Iftar meals for sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.

FAQ

Now, let’s move on to the FAQs section. This is where I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Albanian White Bean Soup (Jani Me Fasule) Recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these FAQs will help you achieve the perfect bowl of soup every time. So, let’s get started!

What is 15 bean soup made of?

This recipe incorporates a diverse range of 15 different types of beans, each offering their own unique flavor and texture. These include northern beans, pinto beans, large lima beans, yelloweye beans, garbanzo beans, baby lima beans, green split peas, kidney beans, cranberry beans, small white beans, pink beans, small red beans, yellow split peas, lentils, navy beans, white kidney beans, and black beans.

How long does bean soup last in the fridge?

To ensure that your soup is both safe and of high quality, it is recommended that you consume refrigerated soup within a period of 3 to 4 days or freeze it. It is also important to avoid leaving soup at room temperature for a time exceeding two hours. Additionally, it is not recommended to place a large pot of hot soup directly into the refrigerator.

How many calories are in white bean soup?

For every serving of this dish, there are 270 calories. It contains 14.7g of protein, 44g of carbohydrates, 21.4g of dietary fiber, and 6.6g of sugars. The dish has 3.1g of fat, with only 0.4g of it being saturated. In terms of vitamins and minerals, it has 4154.7IU of vitamin A, 21.8mg of vitamin C, 30.4mcg of folate, 106.9mg of calcium, 5.5mg of iron, 98.3mg of magnesium, and 1024.4mg of potassium. Additionally, the dish has 377.3mg of sodium.

How long does black Bean soup last?

One great thing about black bean soup is that it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To do so, simply place it in a container and keep it chilled. Additionally, this soup is also freezer-friendly and can be stored in a freezer container or bag for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label it with the date so you know when it was made!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Albanian White Bean Soup (Jani Me Fasule) recipe is a must-try for any soup lover. This dish is rich in flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for suhoor, futoor, or iftar meals during sunrise or sunset, this soup is a delicious and comforting option. With the right ingredients and a little patience, anyone can create a pot of this hearty and warm white bean soup.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this traditional Albanian soup a try! You won’t be disappointed. And remember, feel free to experiment with substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. With a little creativity, you can turn this classic soup into something truly unique and special.

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