In the world of Romanian soups, green bean soup with sour cream and smoked meat holds a place of honor. With its perfect combination of flavors – the smooth texture of sour cream, the rich taste of smoked meat, and the freshness of the beans – this soup reminds us of traditional family meals, where every spoonful carried a piece of childhood memories and homely flavors.
The recipe is simple, yet absolutely delicious. Sautéed vegetables, tender green beans, and chunks of smoked meat blend together in perfect harmony, while the sour cream added toward the end brings a unique creaminess. It is completed with a slightly tangy note from vinegar or lemon juice and enriched with fresh herbs such as lovage and parsley, which give the soup its special charm.
This dish is more than just a soup – it is a true invitation to comfort, to family meals, and to rediscovering traditional Romanian flavors. Whether you enjoy it on chilly autumn evenings or at relaxing weekend lunches, green bean soup with sour cream and smoked meat will always bring joy to the table and warmth to your loved ones’ hearts.
Ingredients
500 g green beans (yellow or green)
300 g smoked meat (ribs, ham hock, or smoked sausages)
1 large onion
1 carrot
1 red bell pepper
1 parsley root
1 tomato or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
200 ml sour cream
2–3 tablespoons vinegar (or lemon juice, to taste)
1 bunch fresh lovage
1 bunch fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
Preparing the Smoked Meat: If you are using smoked meat (ham hock or ribs), wash it well and place it in a large pot with about 2 liters of water. Let it simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, until it softens. Remove the smoked meat from the pot and cut it into small pieces. Keep the water in which it boiled, as this will serve as the base for the soup.
Preparing the Vegetables: Peel and dice the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and parsley root into small cubes. Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the chopped vegetables for 5–6 minutes, until they soften.
Adding the Smoked Meat and Beans: Place the cut smoked meat back into the pot and add the green beans (cleaned and cut into smaller pieces). Pour in the broth in which the smoked meat was boiled and add more water if necessary, to ensure enough liquid. Let it cook over medium heat until the beans are done (about 20–30 minutes).
Tomatoes and Vinegar: Add the chopped tomato or tomato paste and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, add the vinegar or lemon juice, to taste, to give the green bean soup a slightly tangy note.
Sour Cream: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with a few tablespoons of hot soup, then pour the mixture back into the pot. Stir well and let the soup come to a gentle boil, but avoid boiling it too long to prevent the sour cream from separating.
Seasoning: Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Herbs: Finally, finely chop the lovage and parsley and sprinkle them into the soup. Turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid, letting the flavors blend together.
Serving
Serve the bean soup with sour cream and smoked meat hot, accompanied by chili peppers and homemade bread. Enjoy!
Why Is Green Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Smoked Meat So Appreciated in Romanian Cuisine?
This soup is valued for its unique combination of flavors: the rich taste of smoked meat, the delicate texture of beans, and the creaminess of sour cream. It is a nourishing dish, perfect for cool days, and reflects the traditions of Romanian cuisine, where simple ingredients are transformed into complex and flavorful meals.
What Types of Beans Are Best for This Recipe?
Tender yellow or green beans are most suitable, as they have a delicate texture and absorb the flavors of the soup well. Both fresh and frozen beans can be used, but fresh beans provide a more intense taste and a better texture.
How Does Smoked Meat Influence the Flavor of the Soup?
Smoked meat adds remarkable depth to the bean soup, with slightly smoky and salty notes. Slow simmering releases its flavors into the broth, creating a rich and savory base. Whether it is ham hock, ribs, or smoked sausages, smoked meat is essential for achieving the authentic traditional taste.
What Role Does Sour Cream Play in the Recipe?
Sour cream brings a creamy texture and balances the strong flavors of the smoked meat and beans. It also gives the soup a velvety appearance and a subtle sweet-and-sour note, typical of Romanian soups.
How Can Sour Cream Separation in the Soup Be Prevented?
To prevent separation, sour cream should be mixed with a few tablespoons of hot soup in a separate bowl before being added to the pot. This “tempering” technique balances the temperature and ensures a smooth, even integration.
What Spices and Herbs Are Essential for This Soup?
Thyme, salt, and pepper are the basic spices that enhance the flavors, while fresh lovage and parsley are essential for freshness and authenticity. Tarragon may also be added optionally for a subtle, slightly spicy taste.
What Alternatives Exist for Adding Sourness, If Vinegar Is Not Preferred?
If vinegar is not preferred, lemon juice, fermented wheat bran juice (borș), or even whey can be used. All of these options add a slightly tangy note, perfectly complementing the soup’s flavor.
How Can the Recipe Be Adapted for Those Who Don’t Eat Meat?
For a vegetarian version, smoked meat can be replaced with a mix of aromatic vegetables, such as celery or roasted peppers, while smoked paprika can be added to give a smoky flavor. Sour cream can remain in the recipe to preserve creaminess.
What Side Dishes or Accompaniments Work Well with This Soup?
Green bean soup with sour cream and smoked meat is usually served with homemade bread or mămăligă. For those who enjoy contrast in flavors, hot chili peppers are an excellent accompaniment, perfectly complementing the dish’s richness.
What Significance Does This Soup Hold in Traditional Romanian Cuisine?
Green bean soup with sour cream and smoked meat is a symbol of hospitality and family meals. It is a dish associated with comfort and tradition, frequently prepared in Romanian households to nourish and bring family members together around the table. Its authentic taste is a reminder of the simplicity and richness of traditional Romanian cooking.
