Slovak Green Bean Soup

Ingredients

1 pound fresh string (green) beans, cleaned and cut in bite-size lengths (about 1 inch long)

8 cups ham, chicken, or vegetable broth

2 all-purpose medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped fine

1 stick (8 Tablespoons) butter

4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

8 ounces sour cream

1/4 cup white distilled or cider vinegar

Fresh dill to taste, chopped

OPTIONAL: 3 or 4 slices of bacon, fried crisp and crumbled for garnish

Instructions:

Cook beans and cubed potatoes with garlic in broth in large pot until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saute pan, add the onions and cook until soft, but not browned. Set aside.

Place flour in a mixing bowl and take some of the 2 cups milk and whisk it with the flour to make a smooth paste. Whisk in the remaining milk and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.

When beans and potatoes are tender, add the onions and butter to the pot with the soup. Temper the sour cream mixture slowly by whisking in a few ladles of the hot soup to it , then stir in the sour cream mixture into the hot soup. Simmer a few minutes, stirring frequently, but do not boil. Remove from heat, stir in the vinegar.

Adjust seasonings to taste with salt and black pepper. If you want the soup thinner, add more milk to bring it to the consistency you desire. Add dill to taste.

Serve topped with crumbled bacon when served, if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Slovak Green Bean Soup?

Slovak Green Bean Soup is a traditional soup featuring fresh green beans, potatoes, and a creamy broth, often enriched with sour cream and vinegar for a unique flavor.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

While fresh is preferred, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch.

However, fresh beans generally provide better texture and flavor.

Is it essential to use ham, chicken, or vegetable broth?

The choice of broth depends on your dietary preferences.

Ham broth imparts a distinctive flavor, while chicken or vegetable broth offers a lighter alternative.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth and omit the bacon.

The soup’s richness from butter, flour, and sour cream provides plenty of flavor.

How important is the dill in the recipe?

Fresh dill adds a unique herbal note to the soup.

Adjust the quantity based on personal preference, but it contributes significantly to the traditional Slovak flavor.

Is the bacon garnish necessary?

No, the bacon is optional.

If you prefer a vegetarian version or want to reduce the overall richness, you can skip the bacon garnish.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute white distilled or cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or any mild vinegar of your choice.

How can I adjust the soup’s thickness?

To make the soup thicker, increase the amount of flour in the sour cream mixture.

Conversely, to make it thinner, add more milk until you achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it before serving.

Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the consistency with a little extra milk.

Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?

You can use a gluten-free flour substitute to make the recipe gluten-free.

Additionally, ensure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free if needed.