Bey’s soup – a recipe that tells a centuries-old story

Bosnian-Herzegovinian cuisine is a story of tradition, taste, and love for shared meals. Each plate carries a piece of history, and recipes are passed down from generation to generation, preserving the authenticity and spirit of local cuisine.

One of the most famous dishes of this region is Bey’s soup (Begova čorba), a sumptuous soup that symbolizes the warmth of home and the elegance of Bosnian cuisine.

 Bey’s soup, Photo: Wirestock Depositphotos

WHAT IS BEY’S SOUP?

Bey’s soup is a traditional Bosnian dish that is often called the “queen of the Bosnian table“. This delicious and nutritious soup made from chicken, root vegetables, and okra, is often served as a warm appetizer on special occasions.

Legend has it that Bey’s soup originated in the Ottoman Empire, but it is interesting that today it is not found on Turkish menus, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has become an indispensable dish on festive occasions. The name suggests that this dish was intended for the beys, that is, the high social classes, who could afford it.

Bey’s soup, Photo: BiHVolim, CC BY-SA 4.0

RECIPE FOR BEY’S SOUP

To prepare this interesting dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 chicken
• 3 large carrots
• 1 celery
• a bunch of parsley
• 35g of dried okra
• 50g of flour
• 50g of butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 50g of sour cream
• bay leaf
• salt/pepper

Wash the chicken and cook it in salted water together with cleaned vegetables such as carrots, celery parsley, and a bay leaf. Cook until the meat is soft. Soak dried okra in hot water with added lemon juice to remove its sliminess. After soaking, rinse it and boil it briefly.

Melt butter in another pot, add flour, and fry briefly. Then add the strained meat and vegetable soup and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. Add chopped meat, vegetables, and prepared okra to the soup. Cook for a few more minutes to infuse the flavors.

Mix egg yolk and sour cream in a bowl. Slowly add some warm broth to the mixture to temper it, then pour it all back into the pot, stirring constantly. Make sure the soup does not boil after adding the egg mixture to keep it creamy. If necessary, add salt, pepper, and a few drops of lemon juice for freshness.

Bey's soup is served warm, often with homemade bread or flatbread. Due to its rich texture and nutrition, it can also be served as an independent dish, especially during colder days when it provides comfort and invigoration.

For a version without okra, watch this video…

BESIDES BEING DELICIOUS, BEY’S SOUP ALSO OFFERS NUMEROUS NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS THANKS TO THE OKRA.

In conclusion, Bey’s soup is a true gem of Bosnian cuisine, combining rich flavors and tradition in one plate. Its preparation requires a little more time and attention, but the result is a dish that will delight every guest and provide true gastronomic pleasure. Be sure to try it!