Prebranac (Baked Giant Bean Casserole)
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
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 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
- 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
Store leftover prebranac in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water, until warmed through.
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