World Flavors Cookbook

Fasolada (Greek White Bean Soup)

Greece's unofficial national dish — a simple, nourishing white bean soup with tomatoes, carrots, celery, and olive oil. A cornerstone of Greek Orthodox fasting cuisine.

Cuisine: Greece

Ingredients

• 500g dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 400g crushed tomatoes
• 100ml extra virgin olive oil
• Bay leaf, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Drain and boil beans in fresh water for 30 minutes. Drain again.
2. Return beans to pot with fresh water, carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes.
3. Simmer for 45–60 minutes until beans are very tender.
4. Stir in olive oil, season generously, and serve with crusty bread and olives.