Bob Chorba Po-Manastirski (Rila Monastery White Bean, Mint & Roasted Pepper Soup) – Authentic Bulgaria Recipe

Ingredients for Bob Chorba Po-Manastirski (Rila Monastery White Bean, Mint & Roasted Pepper Soup) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) white beans, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups roasted red bell peppers, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup diced carrots and tomatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with dzhodzhen (Bulgarian spearmint)
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Bulgaria seasoning (chubritsa (savory), sweet paprika, garlic)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and dzhodzhen (Bulgarian spearmint) for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in chubritsa (savory), sweet paprika, garlic and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Bulgaria's kitchen.
3. Add white beans and roasted red bell peppers, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in diced carrots and tomatoes, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.