Perfect Fasolatha Recipe: Greek Bean Soup

The classic Greek bean soup, Fasolatha, is a real comfort dish and its a healthy bean soup. It is a mainstay in Greek cooking and is cherished for being filling and nutritious. This soup is nutrient-dense in addition to being delicious.

Although it may look difficult, making Fasolatha is actually quite simple. A rapid variation utilizing canned beans can be prepared in less than an hour2. The soup has the same hearty flavor whether you make it the old-fashioned manner or the rapid way.

Convenience does not have to come at the expense of taste. Making a tasty and nutritious Greek bean soup only requires a few easy steps. There are recipes that make it easier for people who want to eat a typical Greek dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You may find a faster version of the dish on Dimitra’s Dishes and the complete recipe on Mia Kouppa.¹.

Making Fasolatha is easy, you can make a quick version in under an hour using canned beans². Whether you choose the quick method or the traditional way, the soup’s comforting taste remains the same. Mia Kouppa and a quicker version on Dimitra’s Dishes.

• Fasolatha is often regarded as Greece’s national dish, deeply rooted in its culinary tradition.
• Traditional recipes use dry white beans soaked overnight, but quicker versions incorporate canned beans¹².
• This Greek bean soup is prized for its simplicity and comforting, hearty flavors.
• An easy Fasolatha recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it accessible without sacrificing taste².
• Fasolatha is a nutritious option, providing high fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals².
• Serving suggestions often include garnishes like fresh parsley or crumbled feta for added flavor.

The Tradition of Greek Bean Soup

Thinking about Fasolatha brings me close to Greek culture. This vegetarian soup is simple yet rich in history. It’s more than a meal; it’s a symbol of unity and comfort in my kitchen.

Whether it’s cooked on a wood-burning stove or a modern stovetop, fasolatha is special. It shows the cultural significance of Greek cuisine.

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Fasolatha

Fasolatha’s history goes back to ancient Greece, making it historically significant³. It’s often called Greece’s national dish, showing the fasolatha tradition in every spoonful³. Beans were valued for their health benefits, adding to the Mediterranean diet³.

Each bite brings to mind generations sharing this flavorful experience. It’s a celebration of life’s simple joys.

Fasolatha is a big part of Greek cuisine, enjoyed on festive days and fasting days⁴. Growing up, my grandmother would soak the beans for this special meal. It connects us to our heritage, blending past and present.

Ingredients and Variations

Fasolatha’s ingredients are simple but meaningful in Greek cooking. It usually has small white beans, onions, carrots, celery, and sometimes tomatoes. For a zesty twist, a lemon version is refreshing.

I love trying different versions, each with its own regional flavor⁴. My favorite has a tomato base with extra virgin olive oil, balancing the dish’s wholesome taste.

Fasolatha is a key vegetarian soup in Greece, along with chickpea and lentil soups⁴. It’s all about plant-based, nutrient-rich meals. The preparation, like soaking beans overnight, keeps it a family favorite³.

For an authentic taste, check out the recipe on Real Greek Recipes. It’s a recipe that has won hearts worldwide⁴. It’s a lasting reminder of Greek cuisine’s cultural importance.

RECIPE: How to Make Perfect Fasolatha

Making fasolatha is a journey that’s both tasty and comforting. It’s a Greek bean soup that’s easy to make. It combines tradition with a warm mix of flavors.

Ingredients List

To make fasolatha, you need fresh and wholesome ingredients. These ingredients make a flavorful and hearty soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beans: 1 lb of small white beans (navy or great northern) soaked overnight⁵, or 3 cans of 13.5 oz cannellini beans⁶.
• Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion⁵, 3 carrots⁵, and 4 stalks of celery⁶.
• Tomatoes: 2 medium tomatoes (or 1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes)⁶, or 1 8oz can of tomato sauce⁵.
• Garlic: 4 cloves⁶ or 3-5 cloves depending on preference⁵.
• Broth: 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable stock⁶.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup⁶ and extra for drizzling, or 1/4 cup measured precisely⁵.
• Herbs & Seasonings: Bay leaves, oregano, 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley⁵, salt, and pepper.
• Additional Flavors: Lemon juice for a bright finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this step-by-step fasolatha recipe to make a nourishing soup. It’s perfect for both body and soul.

1. Soaking the Beans: Start by soaking the beans overnight for at least 8 hours⁵. This makes them softer and cooks them faster.
2. Sautéing the Mirepoix: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 7-8 minutes, until they are tender and fragrant⁶.
3. Adding Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly with the vegetables.
4. Combining Beans and Broth: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock ensuring it covers the beans by at least 1/2 inch⁵. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmering the Soup: Once it boils, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the soup thickens⁶. Season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and oregano.
6. Final Touch: After the main cooking period, stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley⁵, letting it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors together⁶.
7. Serving: Serve the fasolatha hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with traditional accompaniments like feta cheese, olives, and crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

For more insights into making this nourishing dish, you may find additional information on how to make fasolatha⁶ and its variations here⁵.

Conclusion

Fasolatha is more than just a bean soup. It shows the heart of Greek cooking and the simple, healthy Mediterranean diet. This soup is a comfort and a nutritional gem. It connects us to Greek traditions through its ingredients, like Giant beans from Greece.

These beans add flavor and link us to Greek history. They make the soup special. You can learn more about Greek ingredients here⁷.

This soup is easy to make and perfect for trying Greek recipes. It’s good for your heart and helps with weight. It’s full of nutrients like legumes, veggies, and olive oil. Learn more about Greek vegetarian food⁸.

Greek vegetarian food is tasty and healthy. It follows the Mediterranean diet’s principles. It’s all about flavor and nutrition.

So, let’s enjoy this soup. It honors Greek comfort food and keeps alive the cultural traditions it comes from⁹.

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