Prebranac: Serbian baked white beans with onion

Method

1. 1

   Soaking the beans

   Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water so that they soften.

   720 min
2. 2

   Cooking the beans

   Drain the beans, rinse them several times in fresh water, then cook until tender while keeping the beans whole. Keep the cooking water.

   90 min
3. 3

   Softening the onion

   Cook the onion in oil over a medium heat until very soft and lightly golden. Off the heat, stir in the paprika, salt and pepper.

   30 min
4. 4

   Layering

   In an ovenproof dish, layer the beans, onion and bay leaves, topping up the liquid with some of the cooking water if needed.

   5 min
5. 5

   Baking

   Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for about 1.5 hours, until the top is golden brown, lightly caramelised and dry, and the inside is creamy.

   90 min
6. 6

   Serving

   Serve hot on its own or as a side with fish, but it is also delicious at room temperature with fresh, crusty bread.

   1 min