Beans "Dobrudjanka" 1kg

The Dobrudjanka variety — large-grained, glossy, and unmistakably rich — is the white bean that every Bulgarian grandmother kept in her pantry. The foundation of bob chorba, the soul of fasul s nadenitsa, and the quiet star of the monastery table.

Named after the Dobrudzha region of northeastern Bulgaria — the country’s most fertile agricultural lowland, where the rich black soil and long growing seasons produced the finest legumes — the Dobrudjanka cultivar became the benchmark white bean of Bulgarian cooking. Its grains are noticeably large and glossy, with a smooth cream-colored skin that holds its shape through long, slow cooking. The cooked bean is dense and buttery, with a mellow, subtly earthy flavor that takes on the character of whatever it is cooked with.

This 1kg pack from Familex Ltd. — one of Bulgaria’s leading food producers and distributors — delivers a generous supply for multiple batches of bean soup, baked bean dishes, or the classic cold bean salad dressed with vinegar and raw onion.

How to Prepare It

Soak the beans overnight in cold water, then drain, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Discard this first water, refill, and simmer on low heat for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes until fully tender. Key tip: add tomato purée, lutenitsa, paprika, and aromatic seasonings only after the beans are completely cooked — adding acidic or tomato-based ingredients too early will toughen the skin and prevent the beans from softening. Season with salt in the final minutes only.

What Makes It Special

The Dobrudjanka variety is distinguished by its grain size, glossy appearance, and the way it cooks: it holds its shape through long simmering rather than breaking down into mush, giving soups a satisfying, substantial body. It is naturally gluten-free, contains no additives or preservatives, and carries the no-fuss purity of a product that has remained unchanged for generations. Packaged by Familex Ltd. with no artificial treatment.

Quick Facts

✓  Variety: Dobrudjanka (traditional Bulgarian white bean cultivar)
✓  Type: Dried white beans
✓  Net weight: 1kg
✓  Cook time: ~90 minutes (after overnight soak)
✓  Gluten-free: Yes
✓  Additives / preservatives: None
✓  Manufacturer: Familex Ltd. (Bulgaria)
✓  UPC: 3800050400563
✓  SKU: SPcer11

Bulgarian Serving Tip

Bob chorba — Bulgarian bean soup — is one of the most beloved dishes in the national cuisine, eaten year-round and especially during Lent. The classic preparation simmers cooked Dobrudjanka beans with onion, carrots, dried peppers, savory (chubritsa), and a generous spoonful of red pepper paste, then finishes with a flour-and-paprika roux stirred in at the end to give the broth its characteristic deep color and body. For fasul s nadenitsa — baked beans with sausage — layer the fully cooked beans with sliced nadenichki, red pepper, and tomato in a clay pot and bake until the top caramelizes. Serve with crusty bread and a side of lutenitsa.

Pairs perfectly with: Lutenitsa (SKU: LHDER), Tandem Frankfurters Pork & Beef (SKU: TM35).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dobrudjanka bean variety?
Dobrudjanka is a traditional Bulgarian white bean cultivar named after the Dobrudzha region — the fertile agricultural lowland in northeastern Bulgaria. It is prized for its large grain size, glossy skin, and ability to hold its shape during long, slow cooking, making it the preferred variety for Bulgarian bean soup (bob chorba) and baked bean dishes.

Do these beans need to be soaked before cooking?
Yes — overnight soaking in cold water is strongly recommended. Soak for 8–12 hours, discard the soaking water, then cook in fresh water. This reduces cook time, improves digestibility, and helps the beans cook more evenly. Total cook time after soaking is approximately 90 minutes on a low simmer.

When should I add tomatoes or acidic ingredients?
Always add tomato purée, lutenitsa, vinegar, or any acidic ingredient only after the beans are fully cooked and tender. Adding them early creates a reaction with the bean skin that prevents proper softening, leaving the beans tough regardless of how long they cook. This is the most common mistake in bean cooking — season and add sauces at the very end.

Are these beans gluten-free?
Yes. Dobrudjanka white beans are naturally gluten-free and contain no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. They are suitable for gluten-free diets and vegan/vegetarian cooking.

What is the classic Bulgarian dish to make with these beans?
Bob chorba (bob chorba — Bulgarian bean soup) is the most iconic use: beans simmered with onion, dried red peppers, carrots, savory (chubritsa), and finished with a paprika roux. A close second is fasul s nadenitsa — baked beans with sausage, cooked in a clay pot. Both dishes are considered Bulgarian comfort food staples and are traditionally served during Lent and winter months.

Is a bulk or case discount available?
Yes — buying a case of 10 units automatically applies a 5% discount. For wholesale or restaurant orders, contact Malincho at 1-866-203-3525 or [email protected].