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Bulgarian Bob Chorba recipe

Bulgarian Bob Chorba recipe

A hearty and comforting Bulgarian bean soup made with creamy white beans, vegetables, paprika, and traditional Balkan herbs. This authentic Bob Chorba recipe is simple, affordable, and packed with homemade flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Soaking Time: 8 hours
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Bulgarian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried white beans Cannellini, Great Northern, or Navy beans
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 large carrot diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1½ tbsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried savory
  • ½ tsp dried thyme optional
  • 8 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Step 1: Soak the Beans
  1. Rinse the dried beans thoroughly and place them in a large bowl. Cover with plenty of water and soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the carrot, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for another 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Paprika and Tomato Paste
  1. Reduce the heat slightly.
  2. Stir in the sweet paprika and tomato paste.
  3. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously to develop flavor.
Step 4: Add Beans and Liquid
  1. Add the soaked beans, bay leaf, savory, thyme (if using), and water or broth.
  2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer Slowly
  1. Reduce the heat to low.
  2. Partially cover and simmer for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans become tender and creamy.
Step 6: Season and Finish
  1. Remove the bay leaf.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. If desired, lightly mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve hot with rustic bread, sirene cheese, roasted peppers, or a fresh Shopska salad.

Notes

  • Traditional Bulgarian Bob Chorba is often vegetarian.
  • Savory is the herb most commonly associated with authentic Bulgarian bean soup.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
  • For extra depth, add a small amount of smoked paprika.
  • If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly.