Pasulj facts for kids
![]() Šareni pasulj (pinto beans)
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Alternative names | Grah, Grosh (Albanian) |
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Type | Soup |
Region or state | the Balkans |
Main ingredients | White or brown beans; Meat or smoked meat |
Pasulj (pronounced PAH-sool-y) is a delicious and hearty bean stew. It's super popular in the Balkans, especially in Serbia. This warm and filling dish is usually made with beans and tasty smoked meat. It's a perfect meal for chilly winter days!
Contents
What is Pasulj?
Pasulj is a kind of thick bean soup or stew. It's often called "Serbian bean soup" in English-speaking countries. The main ingredients are different kinds of beans, like white, cranberry, or pinto beans. Sometimes, kidney beans are also used.
Main Ingredients and Flavors
What makes Pasulj so special? It's often cooked with smoked meat. This can include yummy smoked bacon, sausage, or even ham hock. These smoked meats give the stew a deep, savory flavor that makes it extra comforting. Besides beans and meat, chefs often add vegetables like carrots and onions to the pot. This makes the stew even more nutritious and flavorful.
Different Kinds of Pasulj
There are a few cool ways to enjoy Pasulj:
- Prebranac: This is a special version of Pasulj where the beans are baked instead of being made into a stew. It's a bit thicker and has a rich, baked flavor.
- Tavče Gravče: If you visit North Macedonia, you might try this spicy and thicker variant. It's often cooked and served in a special skillet (a flat pan).
Pasulj Around the World
Even though it's a Balkan dish, Pasulj is known in other places too! In German-speaking countries, it's called Serbische Bohnensuppe, which means "Serbian bean soup." It shows how popular this dish is beyond its home region.
"Simple as Pasulj" Idiom
In the Balkans, there's a common saying: prosto kao pasulj. This means "simple as pasulj." It's just like saying "as easy as pie" in English! It shows that Pasulj is seen as a basic, easy-to-understand thing, even though it's a super tasty meal.