Hearty Green Bean “Čorba” (Bosnian Green Bean Stew)

March 14, 2026

Hearty Green Bean “Čorba” (Bosnian Green Bean Stew)

This is a classic staple in my husband’s Bosnian-Croatian household. I remember the first time I went over to his home and his grandmother welcomed me in with a big pot of this comforting green bean soup simmering on the stove.

She called it čorba, a simple but deeply nourishing stew filled with green beans, carrots, and potatoes. It was rustic, hearty, and made with humble ingredients that somehow tasted incredible together.

What I love most about this dish is how wholesome it is. The green beans and vegetables are packed with fiber and nutrients, making it wonderful for digestion while still being satisfying and comforting. It’s the kind of soup that fills the kitchen with warmth and reminds you how powerful simple home cooking can be.

If you're looking for an easy, nourishing vegetable stew to add to your weekly dinners, this traditional green bean čorba is a beautiful recipe to try.

Ingredients

680 g (1.5 lb) green beans, trimmed
2 large carrots, diced
2 large onions, diced
5 large red potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup olive oil
4 tbsp tomato paste (about ½ tube)
4 tbsp chicken bouillon (such as Better Than Bouillon)
1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
½ tbsp Vegeta seasoning
2.5L boiling water
1/2 bulb garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sour cream, for serving

Optional for serving

Toasted bread for dipping

Instructions

Boil the Water
In a separate pot, bring 2–2.5 liters of water to a boil. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste and chicken bouillon. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the tomato paste slightly darkens and becomes fragrant.
Season the Soup
Add the sweet paprika and Vegeta seasoning, stirring to combine with the onion mixture.
Add the Vegetables
Add the green beans and carrots, stirring everything together so the vegetables are coated in the flavorful base.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in the boiling water and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
Add the Potatoes
Add the garlic and cubed potatoes, cover the pot, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Naturally Thicken the Soup
As the potatoes cook, their starch will naturally thicken the broth, creating a rich stew-like consistency.

To Serve

Ladle the hot green bean čorba into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream. Serve with toasted bread for dipping.

This soup is simple, comforting, and perfect for cooler evenings or whenever you want a nourishing bowl of vegetables.

✨ Tip:
Try to keep the volume of green beans generous—they are the star of the dish and give the stew its signature texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for a quick lunch. Just heat up and enjoy later.

Enjoy!