Ciorbă de Fasole în Pâine (Transylvanian White Bean, Tarragon & Red Onion Soup) – Authentic Romania Recipe

Ingredients for Ciorbă de Fasole în Pâine (Transylvanian White Bean, Tarragon & Red Onion Soup) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) creamy white beans, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups diced carrots, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup celeriac
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh or pickled tarragon (tarhon)
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Romania seasoning (thyme (cimbru), smoked 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 fresh or pickled tarragon (tarhon) for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in thyme (cimbru), smoked paprika, garlic and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Romania's kitchen.
3. Add creamy white beans and diced carrots, 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 celeriac, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.