Fassolada

Fassolada-Greece-National-Food

Among Greek cuisine, one dish stands out as a great national treasure: Fassolada. For many years, Greek homes have relied on this strong and savory bean soup as a staple, captivating both locals and visitors with its great tradition and taste.

Fassolada is the perfect example of Greek cooking: a sophisticated mix of the best ingredients and simplicity. This classic dish is based on gigantes, a range of big white beans known for their soft texture and subdued taste. Sometimes referred to as “giant beans,” these legumes are immersed overnight to attain a tender consistency before being gently simmered with a variety of aromatic vegetables to create a very filling and consoling soup.

Making Fassolada requires more than just choosing ingredients; it also requires exacting accuracy and care in every stage of the preparation process. Every movement is deliberately carried out to ensure a harmonic blending of tastes. After soaking, the beans are boiling alongside onions, carrots, and celery, which naturally sweetens and earthy accentuates the broth. A little extra virgin olive oil accentuates the soup’s richness; the addition of dried oregano and bay leaves deepens and complexity.

What distinguishes Fassolada is its amazing adaptability. The traditional soup is entirely plant-based, but other adaptations might include meat—such as sausage or ham—to improve its richness. Many people love this dish since it can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and personal preferences, so satisfying their needs.

Considered as a symbol of unity and custom, fassolada holds a major place in the cultural consciousness of the Greeks. Usually created on family get-togethers and national holidays, this dish helps to foster festivity and togetherness. Particularly in the colder winter, the soup is a great choice because of its rich texture and nutritious elements.

Fassolada is not only a gastronomic delight but also a lot of health benefit agent. Its abundance of protein, fiber, and vital minerals helps the body stay strong and treats the senses. Legumes such as gigantes provide a source of plant-based protein that supports general health and helps to maintain a balanced diet by means of which.

Whether eaten alone or as part of a Greek dinner, fassolada carries one to the sun-kissed shores of Greece and evokes real experience and warmth. Serving as evidence of the nation’s gastronomic legacy, the complex flavors and great cultural relevance of this dish transform it to the level of a real Greek culinary masterpiece.

Fassolada

Recipe by Travel S HelperCourse: Main, SoupsCuisine: Mediterranean, GreekDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Fassolada, Greece's national dish, is a robust and nourishing white bean soup that has been integral to Greek cuisine for centuries. It is a comfort food appreciated by Greeks of all backgrounds, particularly in colder months. Fassolada is abundant in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, rendering it a nutritionally balanced dish that complements the Mediterranean diet. The recipe entails the slow cooking of tender beans with vegetables and fragrant herbs, resulting in a thick and gratifying soup. The components consist of 500g of dried white beans, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, olive oil, bay leaves, tomato paste, salt, freshly ground black pepper, water, and optional dried oregano. The soup may be prepared using canned white beans or lemon juice for a more expedient variant. It is conventionally accompanied by crusty bread and olives.

Ingredients

  • 500g dried white beans (preferably navy beans), soaked overnight

  • 2 large onions, finely chopped

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 3 ripe tomatoes, grated or 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • Water as needed

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

  • Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  • Drain the beans again and return them to the pot.
  • Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, grated tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), olive oil, bay leaves, and tomato paste to the pot.
  • Pour in enough water to cover all ingredients by about an inch.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the dried oregano.
  • Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

  • For a quicker version, you can use canned white beans. Reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes.
  • Some variations include adding a splash of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
  • Fassolada is traditionally served with crusty bread and olives on the side.
  • The soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
  • For a smoother consistency, you can purée a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
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