The Transylvanian Bacon and Green Bean Soup is a comforting and traditional dish that carries with it the essence of Eastern European home cooking. Rich in flavor thanks to the smoky bacon and sweet paprika, this soup is balanced by the tanginess of sour cream and the fresh snap of green beans. It’s a dish born out of frugality, yet elevated by generations of flavor refinement. Perfect as a warming meal for chilly days, this soup is also a standout representation of rural Transylvanian cuisine, where simple ingredients are transformed into deeply satisfying meals. The combination of creamy texture, crunchy beans, and smoky undertones creates a comforting and unforgettable experience. Whether enjoyed alone or with a slice of rustic bread, this dish brings heart and heritage to the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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6 oz smoked bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup sour cream
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned and crispy. Remove a portion for garnish if desired.
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Add the chopped onion to the rendered fat and sauté until translucent.
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Stir in the flour and paprika, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Gradually pour in the broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add the green beans and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and vinegar. Temper it by mixing in a ladle of hot soup, then stir the mixture back into the pot.
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Simmer for another 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
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Garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh dill before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Comfort and Tradition of Transylvanian Bacon and Green Bean Soup
The cuisine of Transylvania is known for its rich cultural roots, humble ingredients, and deep, comforting flavors. One standout dish that captures this essence is the Transylvanian Bacon and Green Bean Soup, a flavorful, creamy, and hearty soup that is both rustic and satisfying. Often passed down through generations in Romanian households, this soup is more than just a meal it is a symbol of tradition, community, and the ingenuity of peasant cooking. With its smoky bacon, vibrant green beans, tangy sour cream, and paprika undertones, it stands as a perfect example of how simplicity and flavor go hand in hand in Eastern European cuisine.
The Cultural Significance Behind the Dish
Romanian cuisine, particularly from the Transylvanian region, is deeply influenced by a mix of cultures Hungarian, German, and Slavic. These influences have helped shape the flavors and techniques used in everyday cooking. Soups, or ciorbă as they are often called, play a central role in Romanian meals. Unlike Western broths, Romanian soups tend to be hearty, sour, and robust, often served as the main meal rather than a starter.
The Transylvanian Bacon and Green Bean Soup is no exception. Its inclusion of sour cream and vinegar aligns with the traditional approach of sour soups in Romania. The smoky bacon adds an unmistakable depth and complexity to the flavor profile, showcasing the region’s love for cured meats and layered textures. It is a recipe that connects people to their heritage, often enjoyed at family gatherings or made in large pots for seasonal meals.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients Synergy
The magic of this soup lies in the harmony of its ingredients. The smokiness from the bacon is complemented beautifully by the earthy green beans. Paprika adds a subtle warmth, which is then offset by the tanginess of vinegar and the richness of sour cream. Together, these elements create a creamy soup with both body and brightness.
Unlike other green bean soups that can be light and brothy, the Transylvanian version is thickened with a roux made from flour and bacon fat. This gives the soup a creamy, almost stew-like consistency that is both hearty and comforting. It’s a dish that can easily stand on its own, needing little accompaniment aside from perhaps a slice of rustic bread.
Why This Soup Stands Out
What makes this soup especially unique is how it bridges comfort and tradition. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly practical using affordable, easily accessible ingredients that come together in less than an hour. The sour cream adds a luxurious finish, while the vinegar cuts through the richness, keeping it balanced and not overly heavy.
In addition, it’s highly adaptable. While the classic version uses smoked bacon, it can be made with ham hocks, pancetta, or even vegetarian alternatives like smoked tofu or mushrooms for those who prefer meatless options. The green beans can be fresh, frozen, or even pickled, depending on the season and availability.
A Year-Round Favorite
Although traditionally served warm, this soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. In winter, it provides the ultimate comfort during cold evenings. In spring and summer, fresh green beans elevate its flavor with crispness and vibrancy. Its sour profile also makes it a surprisingly refreshing dish for warmer weather when served at room temperature.
Moreover, it stores and reheats well, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy households. The flavors tend to deepen over time, and like many soups, it often tastes even better the next day.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Ideas
Transylvanian Bacon and Green Bean Soup is usually served with a thick slice of country bread, ideally with a crusty exterior and soft interior to soak up the broth. It pairs beautifully with light side salads think cucumber and dill salad or a fresh tomato and onion mix. If you’re looking to add more protein, a poached egg or a handful of cooked barley can be stirred in for a nourishing twist.
For beverage pairings, this soup goes particularly well with crisp white wines like Fetească Regală or dry Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, consider kefir or buttermilk to complement the tanginess of the soup.
A Legacy in a Bowl
Every culture has its comfort foods, and for Romanians especially those from Transylvania this soup holds a special place in the heart. It is the kind of dish grandmothers make for Sunday lunch, where generations gather around a single pot, each bite a reminder of tradition, love, and resilience. While it may seem simple on the surface, the soup embodies layers of history and regional influence that stretch far beyond its ingredients list.
Cooking and eating this soup is not just an act of nourishment; it’s a form of storytelling. It’s about preserving culinary heritage while also embracing the flexibility to adapt the dish to modern kitchens and varied dietary preferences.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re of Romanian descent or simply an admirer of global cuisines, the Transylvanian Bacon and Green Bean Soup is a must-try. It delivers a rich, smoky, and tangy experience that is deeply comforting and incredibly satisfying. With ingredients that are humble yet impactful, this soup proves that traditional recipes often hold the key to extraordinary flavor.
Adding this dish to your cooking repertoire means more than just making a meal it means embracing a cultural journey through taste. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or even as an introduction to Eastern European cuisine, this soup invites you to explore the warmth and depth of Transylvanian culinary traditions.