Contents
Slovak Bean Soup (Fazuľová Polievka)
Fazuľová Polievka is a traditional Slovak bean soup made with smoked pork knuckle and beans. It has a rich flavor, a hearty broth, and is a great way to warm up during the cold season.
Ingredients
✅ Main ingredients:
- 1 kg smoked shank
- 220 g large striped beans
- 2 carrots
- 3 potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 1 clove garlic
✅ For thickening:
- 3 tbsp fine flour
- 50 g pork fat
✅ Spices and seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 black peppercorns
- Salt, ground black pepper, marjoram, ground sweet paprika
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Soaking beans:Soak beans in water overnight (at least 8 hours).
- 2️⃣ Preparing the broth:Wash the smoked shank well, put in a large saucepan.Add bay leaf and black peppercorns.Cook over medium heat until the meat is tender (approximately 1.5 hours).
- 3️⃣ Preparing the meat and broth:Remove the shank, let it cool slightly.Separate the meat from the bone, cut into small pieces.Strain the broth.
- 4️⃣ Preparing the soup:Drain the water from the beans, rinse.Add the beans to the strained broth and cook for 30 minutes.Add the sliced carrots and potato cubes.Cook until the vegetables are soft (~20 minutes).
- 5️⃣ Preparing the stir-fry:Fry the finely chopped onion in pork fat until golden brown.Add the flour and ground black pepper, fry for another 1–2 minutes.Pour in a little hot broth, stir until smooth.
- 6️⃣ Final stage:Pour the stir-fry into the hot soup, mix well.Add salt, pepper, marjoram and garlic pressed through a press.Put the pieces of meat from the shank into the soup.Bring to a boil, cook for another 5 minutes.
- 7️⃣ Serving:Serve hot, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with a slice of crusty bread.📌 Tip: for an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Notes
Fazuľová Polievka – Traditional Slovak Bean Soup🌿
Fazuľová Polievka, or Slovak bean soup, is a true classic of national cuisine. It is known for its rich flavor, heartiness, and warming warmth, making it a favorite dish at any time of the year. It is especially popular in the cold months, when you want to taste something warming and nutritious.🥄 Slow cooking is the secret to perfect taste
Fazuľová Polievka takes time to turn out to be truly delicious. The main ingredient – beans – is usually soaked overnight to become soft and tender, as well as to reveal its nutty, earthy flavor. Depending on the region, the soup can be vegetarian or contain smoked meat, which gives it a smokiness and piquancy.🔥 Main ingredients
The classic Fazuľová Polievka recipe includes: ✅ Beans - traditionally red or white beans are used, which are soaked overnight.✅ Smoked pork, bacon or sausage (klobása) - add a rich smoked flavor.
✅ Potatoes and carrots - for a sweet taste and tender texture.
✅ Onions and garlic - the basis of a rich aroma.
✅ Paprika, bay leaf and marjoram - for depth of flavor and warmth.
🥣 Sour version - an interesting alternative
In addition to the traditional recipe, a sour version of the soup is popular in Slovakia, which has a special taste thanks to the following ingredients: ✅ Sour cream - gives a creamy tenderness and a light spicy touch.✅ White vinegar - adds a bright sourness.
✅ Additional spices - often add cumin or mustard seeds for more spiciness. 📍 This version is especially popular in Eastern Slovakia, where people prefer sharper and more expressive flavors.
💪 Nutrition and benefits
In addition to its great taste, Fazuľová Polievka is also a very healthy dish. It contains: ✔️ Lots of protein - thanks to beans and meat.✔️ Fiber - good for digestion.
✔️ Vitamins and trace elements - which provide energy and support immunity. 📌 This soup is ideal for an active lifestyle, as it is extremely satisfying and energizing.
