Prebranac, also known as Serbian Baked Beans, is a hearty and flavorful dish made from white beans and onions, slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is a favorite comfort food in Serbia, especially during the colder months. Here’s how to make this traditional Serbian dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 500g dried white beans (such as navy or cannellini)
- 3 large onions, finely sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 liter water or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
- Cook the Beans:
- In a large pot, add the soaked beans and cover them with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Onion Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, and paprika to the onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Combine and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked beans and the onion mixture. Add the tomato paste and water or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the beans are covered with liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are creamy and the flavors are well melded. Check occasionally and add more liquid if necessary.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, with crusty bread or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Enjoy your homemade Prebranac, a comforting and delicious Serbian Baked Beans dish!