Albanian Bean Soup "Supe me Fasule"

This traditional Albanian recipe for a simple white bean soup is one of Erv's favorites. It's so easy to make and it's the perfect comforting meal on a cold winter's day.



Here is the recipe:

1 container low sodium chicken or beef broth
1 large yellow onion - finely diced
2 carrots - chopped in thirds
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
S&P
1 TB chili powder
Stew Beef with Bone ( I used neck meat )
2 cans white butter beans ( or northern white)
1 small can tomato sauce
1 TB dried parsley
Sour Cream or Yogurt for garnish

Heat olive oil in large stock pot. Brown both sides of meat. Add diced onions and carrot and cook until lightly browned. Add garlic, tomato sauce, broth, s&p and chili powder. Bring to a boil. Add parsley and simmer on low for about 2 hours.

After 2 hours, remove meat and carrots. I pureed the carrots in a food processor to thicken the broth. Also adds great flavor : ) Remove meat from the bones and shred into small pieces. I add the bones back to the soup because Erv likes to pick at them some more and it also makes a richer broth. Next day tastes even better.

That's it! I like to serve the soup over white rice. Top with sour cream and enjoy!