Albanian Jani Me Fasule

This thick white bean soup is a staple in Albania. It is also eaten in Greece. A similar version is served in Morocco called loubia. The combination of mint and chili pepper give it a fresh, spicy taste.

Serves 3-4

What you need:

2 cups dry white beans

3 cups vegetable broth

4 1/2 cups water

1 onion, diced

3 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp tomato sauce

1/2 tbsp dried parsley

1/2 tbsp dried mint

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the 2 cups dry white beans. Cover and boil on medium heat for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the onion. In a pan, sauté the onion in the olive oil for 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and the spices and continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes. Add the onion mixture to the pot of beans along with 4 1/2 cups water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-2 1/2 hours. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve.