Jókai Bean Soup (Hungarian Bean Soup)

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 250 g (1 ¼ cups) dried kidney beans or mixed beans, soaked overnight
• 1 smoked sausage or smoked bacon, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 parsnip, diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp oil or lard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 tsp Hungarian paprika
• 1.5 liters (6 cups) water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 potatoes, diced (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: sour cream for serving