Krastev Beans NARODEN (orange) 500g

Small, ivory-white, and bursting with plant protein — Krastev NARODEN beans are Bulgaria’s people’s bean: the humble, beloved dry white bean that has warmed Bulgarian families through centuries of cold winters and Sunday lunches.

About Krastev NARODEN Beans

Produced by the Krastev brand at their modern facility in Pleven, Bulgaria, NARODEN — meaning “people’s” or “folk” in Bulgarian — is the classic small white dry bean that anchors Bulgarian home cooking. Each 500g bag contains carefully sorted, impurity-free beans imported directly from Bulgaria, carrying the reliable quality standard that Krastev has built across decades of grain and legume production.

With 21.78g of plant protein per 100g and a clean nutritional profile — 341 kcal, 61.88g complex carbohydrates, and only 0.72g fat per 100g — NARODEN beans are a powerhouse legume. Free of additives, preservatives, colorings, and GMOs, they are a pure, whole-food ingredient trusted by home cooks, restaurants, and delis across Bulgaria and the Bulgarian diaspora in the USA.

How to Use It

NARODEN beans are the essential ingredient for bob chorba — Bulgaria’s iconic bean soup, slow-simmered with onion, carrot, tomato, and dried savory (chubritsa), and finished with a drizzle of sunflower oil and a pinch of red pepper. Beyond the national soup, use them in baked bean dishes (gyuveche s bob), stuffed sarmi with beans and rice, thick stews alongside smoked meats, and protein-rich vegetarian mains. They also make an outstanding base for European-style white bean salads dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

What Makes It Special

“Naroden” literally translates as “of the people” — and this bean has earned that name across generations of Bulgarian kitchens. Krastev’s rigorous sorting and quality-controlled packaging at their Pleven facility ensures every bag is uniform, clean, and consistent. No soaking shortcuts are required: soak overnight in cold water, drain, then simmer low and slow for the most authentic flavour. With a shelf life of 21 months and a 500g format ideal for households, these beans store beautifully in any pantry.

Quick Facts

✓  Type: Dry white beans — small Naroden (“People’s”) variety
✓  Brand: Krastev (SIDI 92 EOOD, Pleven, Bulgaria)
✓  Origin: Bulgaria (imported)
✓  Net weight: 500g (approx. 1.1 lbs)
✓  Protein: 21.78g per 100g — exceptional plant protein
✓  Energy: 341 kcal / 1449 kJ per 100g
✓  Allergens: None declared
✓  Additives / GMO: None
✓  Shelf life: 21 months
✓  UPC: 3800211640265
✓  SKU: SpKrS01

Bulgarian Serving Tip

Bulgarian Serving Tip

For an authentic Sunday bob chorba, soak the NARODEN beans overnight, drain, then cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Skim, reduce heat, and add finely diced onion, carrot, celery, and tomato paste. Season generously with dried savory (chubritsa), a pinch of spearmint (dzhodzhen), and sweet red pepper. Simmer until tender, finish with a tablespoon of sunflower oil, and serve hot with crusty bread and a side of lutenitsa. For a heartier winter spread, pair the soup with Krastev BISEREN rice pilaf on the side.

Pairs perfectly with: Lutenitsa Bulgarian Style Spread (SKU: LHDER), Krastev BISEREN Pearly White Rice (SKU: SpKrS03).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “NARODEN” mean?

“Naroden” (Народен) means “of the people” or “folk/national” in Bulgarian. It refers to the most widely consumed small white bean variety in Bulgaria — the everyday, unpretentious bean that has fed Bulgarian families for generations, most famously in bob chorba (bean soup).

What does “(orange)” mean in the product name?

The “(orange)” refers to the color of the Krastev packaging — the distinctive orange-labeled bag used for the NARODEN variety. The beans themselves are small, ivory-white dry beans, not orange in color.

Do these beans need to be soaked before cooking?

Yes. For best results and the most authentic flavour, soak the dried beans in cold water for 8—12 hours (or overnight), then drain and rinse before cooking. This reduces cooking time significantly and improves digestibility. A quick-soak method (boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, soak 1 hour) also works if time is short.

What is bob chorba, and how do I make it with these beans?

Bob chorba (bean soup) is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved traditional dishes — often described as the Bulgarian national soup. After soaking and draining the NARODEN beans, simmer them with onion, carrot, tomato paste, dried savory (chubritsa), spearmint, and sweet red pepper until perfectly tender. Finish with a generous drizzle of sunflower oil and serve with crusty bread for an authentic Bulgarian meal.

Are these beans suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets?

Yes. Krastev NARODEN beans are 100% plant-based, with no animal ingredients and no additives. With 21.78g of protein per 100g, they are one of the most protein-rich pantry legumes available — an excellent choice for vegetarian, vegan, and high-protein plant-based diets.

How many servings does a 500g bag provide, and is there a bulk option?

A 500g bag of dried NARODEN beans yields approximately 6—8 generous servings of bob chorba. Malincho offers a 5% bulk discount when purchasing 12 or more bags (one full case), making this an excellent choice for restaurants, delis, or households that keep this Bulgarian staple on hand year-round.