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BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED PORK KNUCKLE — HEARTY, SMOKY, AND COMFORTING

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED PORK KNUCKLE — HEARTY, SMOKY, AND COMFORTING

BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED PORK KNUCKLE — HEARTY, SMOKY, AND COMFORTING

This rich and flavorful bean soup, enhanced with smoky pork knuckle and aromatic spices, is a classic Romanian comfort food. The slow-cooked beans and savory roux blend perfectly with tangy tomato paste and creamy sour cream, delivering a warming meal ideal for cold days.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 45 min (pressure cooker) + 15 min simmer
🍽️ Yields: About 6–8 servings

Ingredients

  • Dry beans — about 10 handfuls (adjust as desired)
  • 3 carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 1 smoked pork knuckle, cut into pieces
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup tomato paste (bulion)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 400 g sour cream
  • Cooking oil
  • Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, hot paprika (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook Beans

  • Place beans in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover.
  • Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and discard water.
  • Refill with hot water (do not use cold water to avoid toughening beans).

2. Add Vegetables and Meat

  • Add carrots and smoked pork knuckle pieces to the pressure cooker.
  • Cook under pressure for an additional 30 minutes once pressure is reached.

3. Prepare Roux (Rantas)

  • In a saucepan, heat about 1 finger’s height of oil.
  • Sauté finely chopped onions until softened.
  • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Add 1 cup water to deglaze, stirring well.
  • Season generously with black pepper, salt, 1 heaping tbsp sweet paprika, and 1 tsp hot paprika.

4. Incorporate Roux into Soup

  • Pour roux through a fine sieve into the soup pot.
  • Using a spoon, stir roux through the sieve to dissolve it completely in the soup.
  • Discard leftover onions in the sieve.

5. Add Final Flavorings

  • Stir in tomato paste, bay leaves, and plenty of chopped basil.

6. Temper and Add Sour Cream

  • In a bowl, dissolve sour cream by gradually mixing in hot soup broth.
  • Slowly add tempered sour cream into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

7. Simmer and Season

  • Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes on low heat.
  • Adjust salt and seasoning to taste.

💡 Tips

  • Always replace cooking water with hot water to avoid tough beans.
  • Stir roux thoroughly through a sieve to prevent lumps and burnt bits.
  • Fresh basil adds brightness and aroma but is optional.
  • Temper sour cream carefully for a smooth, creamy finish.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Traditional Romanian family meals
  • Cold-weather comfort food
  • Hearty soups with smoky depth
  • Sunday lunches and special occasions

📝 Final Thoughts

This Romanian bean soup with smoked pork knuckle combines tender beans, smoky meat, and rich spices into a satisfying, flavorful dish. The creamy, spiced roux and fresh herbs elevate the rustic soup into a memorable comfort food classic.