Grahova pretepena juha

Pretepeni grah (Croatia)

Grahova pretepena juha is a traditional Slovenian soup made primarily from beans. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often enjoyed during the colder months. The name "pretepena" refers to the process of thickening the soup, which is typically achieved by adding a mixture of flour and water or milk.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Grahova pretepena juha include:

• Beans (usually dried)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrot
• Celery
• Potato
• Flour
• Water or milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay leaf
• Vegetable oil or lard

Preparation

1. **Soaking the Beans**: The beans are soaked overnight in water to soften them. 2. **Cooking the Beans**: The soaked beans are then cooked in a pot with fresh water until they are tender. 3. **Sautéing the Vegetables**: In a separate pan, finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery are sautéed in vegetable oil or lard until they are soft and fragrant. 4. **Combining Ingredients**: The sautéed vegetables are added to the pot with the cooked beans. Diced potatoes and a bay leaf are also added. 5. **Thickening the Soup**: A mixture of flour and water or milk is prepared and slowly added to the soup while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This thickens the soup and gives it a creamy texture. 6. **Seasoning**: The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. 7. **Simmering**: The soup is simmered for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving

Grahova pretepena juha is typically served hot, often accompanied by a slice of bread. It can be garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cultural Significance

This soup is a staple in Slovenian households and is often prepared during festive occasions and family gatherings. It reflects the traditional Slovenian approach to cooking, which emphasizes the use of locally sourced, simple ingredients to create nourishing and comforting meals.

See Also

• Slovenian cuisine
• Soup
• Beans
• Traditional dishes of Slovenia