Side DishMain Course

Prebranac (Baked Giant Bean Casserole)

Name: Prebranac (Baked Giant Bean Casserole)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: balkan, serbian
Ingredients: 250 g dried giant white bean soaked overnight; 500 g yellow onion thinly sliced; 60 ml vegetable oil; 15 g paprika sweet; 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 2 pcs bay leaf; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 tsp salt; 500 ml water

Prebranac is a traditional Serbian baked bean dish, often served as a side or a hearty vegetarian main. Large white beans are slow-baked with plenty of caramelized onions and paprika for a comforting and flavorful experience. This recipe is naturally vegan and full of savory goodness.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 3 hr 20 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 391 kcal

Mise en place

Ingredients

250 gdried giant white bean, soaked overnight
500 gyellow onion, thinly sliced
60 mlvegetable oil
15 gpaprika, sweet
1 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 pcsbay leaf
2 clovegarlic, minced
1 tspsalt
500 mlwater

Equipment

large skillet · large pot · cutting board · knife · casserole dish

The method

Step by step

1
Drain the soaked giant white beans and place them in a large pot.
2
Cover the beans with fresh water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: This initial boil helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time later.
3
Drain the beans again and set them aside.
4
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
About 10 min
5
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
About 1 min
6
Add the yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and soft, about 15-20 minutes.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Don't rush this step; the caramelization of the onions is key to the dish's flavor.
7
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
8
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the paprika, black pepper, and salt.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Adding paprika off the heat prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
9
In an oven-safe casserole dish, layer half of the cooked beans.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A deep dish works best for even baking.
10
Spread half of the onion mixture over the beans.
About 1 min
11
Add the remaining beans, then top with the rest of the onion mixture.
About 1 min
12
Tuck the bay leaves into the bean mixture.
13
Pour the water over the beans, ensuring they are just covered. Add more hot water if needed.
About 1 min
14
Bake, uncovered, for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beans are very tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, leaving a rich, thick sauce.
About 2 hr 30 min
Cook’s note: Check occasionally and add a splash of hot water if the dish looks too dry before the beans are tender.
15
Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Per serving

Nutrition

78%Score

Calories: 390.6kcal
Protein: 15.2g
Carbs: 40.4g
Fat: 16.6g
Fibre: 17.2g
Sugar: 6g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover prebranac in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water, until warmed through.