- Do I have to soak beans?
- Yes. Soaking ensures even cooking. Without it, skins split while centers remain hard. Quick soak: Boil 2 mins, let sit 1 hour.
- Can I use canned beans?
- In a pinch, yes. Simmer for only 20 mins to meld flavors. Texture will be softer.
- Storage?
- Like most stews, it tastes even better the next day. Stays good in the fridge for 5 days.
Classic Greek Fasolada (White Bean Soup) with Feta
Fasolada relies on the slow breakdown of bean starches to naturally thicken the broth, creating a creamy texture without dairy. The generous amount of olive oil added forms an emulsion with the starchy water, which is a hallmark of Greek 'Ladera' (oil-based) dishes.
Ingredients
1.5
cups
Dry White Beans (Cannellini or Navy)
1
medium
Red Onion (diced)
5
cloves
Garlic (minced)
2
medium
Carrots (sliced rounds)
1
stalk
Celery (sliced)
4
tbsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1
cup
Tomato Puree or Crushed Tomatoes
2
leaves
Bay Leaf
1
tsp
Salt
0.5
tsp
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
4
cups
Water (approx 1 Liter)
4
oz
Feta Cheese (crumbled)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: Ideal for slow, long simmering. Thick walls distribute heat evenly, preventing the beans at the bottom from burning.
- Ladle: Not just for serving, but for the "creaming" trick—smashing some beans against the pot side to thicken the broth.
Allergen Information
Dairy
Instructions
1
✓
Soak the dry beans in plenty of cold water overnight (approx 12 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking.
Tip: Soaking rehydrates the beans uniformly. Cooking unsoaked beans often results in split skins and hard centers.
2
✓
Finely dice the onion and garlic. Slice the carrots into rounds and the celery into thin pieces.
Tip: Cut carrots slightly thicker than celery as they take longer to soften; this ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time.
3
✓
Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Sauté the onions, celery, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until soft.
Tip: The oil is a key ingredient, not just a cooking medium. It provides satiety and carries the flavor of the aromatics.
4
✓
Add the carrots and tomato puree. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
Tip: Sautéing the tomato puree ('blooming') reduces its acidity and develops a deeper, sweeter flavor.
5
✓
Add the soaked beans, water, bay leaves, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer covered for 1 to 1.5 hours. Add salt only in the last 20 minutes.
Tip: Adding salt too early can toughen the skins of the beans. Wait until they are tender.
6
✓
Serve hot, generously crumbled with Feta cheese on top.
Tip: For a thicker soup, crush a ladleful of beans against the side of the pot to release more starch into the broth.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Dry White Beans (Cannellini or Navy)
- 1 medium Red Onion (diced)
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 medium Carrots (sliced rounds)
- 1 stalk Celery (sliced)
- 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup Tomato Puree or Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 leaves Bay Leaf
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- 4 cups Water (approx 1 Liter)
- 4 oz Feta Cheese (crumbled)