Bobena Supa Recipe

Lastest Updated June 19, 2024
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Bobena supa is a combination of beans and herbs in a warm broth that reflects the Bulgarian soul. This article will guide you through all the important aspects of this Bulgarian bean soup.

You can find everything here, from the definition, necessary tools, and ingredients to the steps to create it. There are also invaluable tips to perfect your bobena supa. Moreover, I’ll show you what dishes to serve with it.

Letโ€™s open your world to Bulgarian cuisine, starting with a detailed guide to this hearty and comforting Bobena Supa.

Bobena Supa1

Bobena Supa: A Balkan Classic

Bobena supa (ะ‘ะพะฑะตะฝะฐ ััƒะฟะฐ) is a traditional healthy dish from the Balkan region, particularly popular in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. Also known as bobena soup, it typically contains local ingredients, like beans, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

This flavorful and nutritious dish is often served hot, with chili or hot pickled peppers being the garnishes. With crusty bread or Parlenka (Bulgarian flatbread), bobena supa makes a perfect soup or main dish.

Besides being tasty, this Bulgarian bean soup is also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nourishing and comforting choice.

Regarding cultural importance, bobena supa is often associated with hospitality and communal gatherings. It usually appears during local festivals and family occasions, symbolizing warmth, nourishment, and unity.

Whether enjoyed during the colder months or as a comforting meal year-round, this bean soup is a true Bulgarian culinary treasure.

Which Tools Do You Need for Bobena Supa?

Bobena supa only needs several simple, basic tools. Each piece of equipment has its own use, as discussed below:

  • Cooking pot: You should prepare a pot with at least 3 liters of capacity.
  • Wooden or bamboo cooking spoon: To stir the ingredients when cooking.
  • Strainer: To wash the beans and strain them after cooking.
  • Cutting board and knife: To chop all the vegetables.
Bobena Supa Tools

Which Ingredients Does Bobena Supa Require?

Bobena supa obviously requires beans, as its English name, Bulgarian bean soup, indicates. Besides that, there are other necessary ingredients for Bobena Supa:

  • Beans: I recommend using white beans, but you can prepare Bobena Supa with speckled or black beans.
  • Brown onions, peppers, and carrots: Suitable vegetables for Bobena Supa. Use well-ripened vegetables.
  • Mentha spicata: A species of mint, also known as garden mint or lamb mint. Feel free to substitute it with dried savory (summer savory) or oregano.
  • Spices: Paprika and thyme. You can also add fresh or dried thyme.
  • Salt: Add after the beans are softened to ensure they cook well.
  • Olive oil: Sunflower oil is also suitable.
  • Water: For boiling the beans and making the soup.
Bobena Supa Ingredients

What Is the Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bobena Supa?

Cooking bobena supa is easy. The most important steps are cooking the beans and letting them simmer with other ingredients for more flavors. Letโ€™s check all the details now!

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Place 1 cup of swashed and cleaned white beans in the pot. And pour about half a liter of water (a finger above the beans).

Bobena Supa Step 1 Prepare the Beans

Bring the pot to the boil on medium heat. Let it boil for about 15 minutes, then strain the beans.

Bobena Supa Step 1 Prepare the Beans1

Step 2: Cook the Beans

Pour about 1.5 liters of water into the pot and add the beans. Bring the pot to a boil at medium heat.

Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans

Once it boils, reduce the flame to low and simmer until the beans are tender.

Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans1

Meanwhile, finely chop the 1 onion, 1 carrot, and 1 red pepper. Prepare the spices; if you use fresh spices, finely chop them.

Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans2
Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans3

Add chopped vegetables, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of paprika to the soup when the beans have softened.

Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans4

Cook it on low heat for another 30 minutes.

Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans5

Add the spices and let the soup simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, so the flavors can blend.

Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans6

Step 3: Serve the Soup

Serve bobena supa warm, sprinkled with more spices and chili.

Bobena Supa Step 3 Serve the Soup

How to Get the Best Flavor in Bobena Supa?

Although I think cooking bobena supa doesnโ€™t require any tricks, there are several small details to pay attention to during the cooking process.

  • Refrain from substituting Mentha spicata with regular mint because the latter has a strong taste, unsuitable for this soup.
  • If you use dried beans, soak them in water overnight.
Bobena Supa

What Are the Best Sides for Bobena Supa?

Bobena supa can go with many side dishes, such as meat, cheese, or bread. Each brings a different layer of flavor to this Bulgarian soup. Here are some detailed suggestions:

  • Smoked ham hock, smoked meat, or sausage: For an additional smoky flavor and protein
  • Grated cheese: I recommend feta cheese to add extra tang and body
  • Chopped herbs: For some freshness, often sprinkled on top
  • Fresh or grilled bread: Change your soup into a hearty meal

Bobena Supa: Capturing Bulgarian Tradition

Bobena supa is truly a delectable culinary revelation. This Bulgarian bean soup has testified that simple ingredients can create memorable dishes. Now is your turn to discover this charming soup, perfect for any season!

Remember to share your unique bobena supa experience in the comments. And if this recipe has caught your attention, hit the like button and share it with your fellow food enthusiasts!

Bobena Supa

Bobena Supa Recipe (Bulgarian Bean Soup)

Bobena supa is a rich and satisfying soup suitable for lunch, especially during winter! Try making this Bulgarian bean soup in your kitchen and enjoy its flavor!
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: Bulgarian
Keyword: Bobena Supa, Bulgarian Bean Soup
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Preference: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 5 Servings
Calories: 195kcal

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Wooden or bamboo cooking spoon
  • Strainer
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of white beans washed and cleaned
  • 1 brown onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 red pepper
  • 5 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves Optional: 0.5 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh Mentha spicata Optional: 0.5 teaspoon of dried Mentha spicata
  • 0.5 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 liters of water

Instructions 

  • Place the beans in the pot. Pour in half a liter of water. Make sure the water level is a finger above the beans.
    Bobena Supa Step 1 Prepare the Beans
  • Boil the pot over medium flame. Let it boil for 15 minutes, then strain the beans.
    Bobena Supa Step 1 Prepare the Beans1
  • Again, pour 1.5 liters of water into the pot and add the beans. Bring the pot to a boil at medium heat.
    Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans
  • Once boiled, simmer it at low heat until the beans are tender.
    Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans1
  • While waiting for the beans, finely chop the onion, carrot, and red pepper. If you use fresh spices, finely chop them as well.
    Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans2
  • When the beans have finished, add vegetables, salt, and paprika. Keep cooking it at low heat for 30 minutes.
    Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans4
  • Next, season the soup with all the spices. Let it simmer over low flame for another 10 minutes.
    Bobena Supa Step 2 Cook the Beans6
  • Serve bobena supa warm, sprinkled with some spices and chili.
    Bobena Supa

Video

Notes

  • The total time above is only based on 5 servings.
  • The best substitutes for Mentha spicata are dried savory or oregano. Regular mint is unsuitable due to its overpowering flavor.
  • If using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 266mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3000IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg
Mia Dimitrova

Mia Dimitrova

Content Writer

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Food Styling, Food Photography, Culinary Storytelling, Cooking-video Maker, European Food Content Creator, Bulgarian Food Evaluation Expert

Education

Sofia University โ€œSt. Kliment Ohridskiโ€

  • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
  • Focus: Captured the soul of Bulgarian and European dishes, emphasizing the interrelation between visual appeal and culinary history.
    Completed a thesis titled โ€œBulgaria on a Plate: A Photographic Journey through our Gastronomic Legacy.โ€

European Culinary Arts Academy

  • Program: Certified Course in Food Styling
  • Focus: Gained expertise in presenting dishes from Bulgaria and beyond, understanding the intricacies of European culinary aesthetics.

Maria Dimitrova, or Mia, is a Contributing Writer from Sofia, Bulgaria. Her work beautifully intertwines the rich flavors of Bulgarian and European dishes with their visual storytelling, capturing the soul of each cuisine. Through engaging content and stunning photography, Maria explores the intricate relationship between food’s aesthetic appeal and cultural history.

Specializing in home cooking, food styling, and photography, she brings European culinary traditions to life, offering a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s gastronomic heritage. Maria’s expertise highlights her deep appreciation for culinary art and invites her audience to embark on a flavorful journey through Europe’s diverse food landscape.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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