Fasolada

A traditional Greek bean soup.

Ingredients

• 500 gr. white beans
• 3 carrots in slices
• 2 onions in dices
• 2 stalks of celery chopped
• A little leek, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• A little celery leaves (chopped)
• 1 tbsp bukovo (chili flakes optional)
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions

1. Soak the beans in lots of water overnight.
2. Put them in a pot with plenty of cold water to cover them, and let them boil for 35 to 40 minutes, until they are half soft.
3. Drain them in a colander.
4. To make the bean soup perfect and to prevent them from dissolving, boil them on medium heat.
5. Chop the vegetables.
6. Add the olive oil, in a deep pot and add the onions, carrots, onions and celery.
7. Mix them well, so that they are oiled.
8. Leave them for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat.
9. Add the tomato paste.
10. Add the half-boiled beans and add boiling water (about 2.5 lt).
11. Cover the pot and simmer the beans until they are nice and soft, and the bean soup is creamy.
12. Add some chopped celery, salt and pepper and if you want, add the chili flakes. A tablespoon of sweet paprika will lift your soup.