Meat soup with dried white beans

Meat soup with dried white beans: a comforting treat for cold days

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Boiling time: 2 hours (or 1 hour in pressure cooker)
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Introduction
Beef soup with dried white beans is a classic recipe that brings together the natural tastes and flavors of the basic ingredients, providing a nourishing and comforting meal. This soup, loved for generations, is perfect for cold winter days when you need something warm and savory. Whether served with crunchy croutons or noodles, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients needed
1 kg beef (bone-in rib-eye for a rich taste)
2 slices os-bucco (bone-in meat, rich in flavor and nutrients)
300 g dried white beans (soaked in water overnight)
2 carrots (for sweetness and color)
2 suitable onions (for flavor)
2 parsley roots (for a fresh taste)
1 celery root (adds a slightly spicy taste)
1 bunch greens (parsley and celery for flavor)
1 tablespoon Knorr poultry stock powder (optional, but adds depth)
1 slice yellow pumpkin (without pits and skin for a sweet touch)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Soup preparation
1. Preparing the beans: Start by draining the white beans that you soaked overnight. This step is essential to reduce boiling time and make the beans more easily digestible. Put the beans in a pot of water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to the boiling point and simmer for 5-10 minutes. After that, strain the beans and set aside.

2. Meat preparation: In a deep 7-quart pot, add the washed and cleaned beef, cut into chunks. Cover the meat with cold water and bring to a boil. This will help extract the flavors from the meat. After a few minutes, skim off the foam that forms on the surface to make a clear soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the soup is bubbling, add hot water to keep it simmering steadily. Now it's time to add the beans, carrots, onions, parsley, celery and large diced squash. It's important to increase the vegetables gently so that the flavors come out better.

4. Seasoning: Add Knorr soup powder (if using), salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.

5. Boiling the soup: Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer slowly for 2-2.5 hours, until the meat is tender and the beans are cooked. If you use a pressure cooker, this time is significantly reduced to about 1 hour.

6. Finalizing the soup: When the soup is done, remove the meat and vegetables to a separate plate. Leave only the beans in the soup. This will continue to absorb the delicious flavors of the soup.

7. Serving: You can serve the soup with pasta noodles cooked separately or with croutons of toast. The meat can be served with garlic mujad, pickled okra and hot porridge, creating a hearty and filling meal.

Tips for a perfect result
- Make sure the beans are well soaked to cook evenly. You can use canned white beans, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Don't add pasta to the soup as the starch will thicken it too much. Boil them separately to keep the consistency of the soup.
- You can replace beef with pork or chicken, adapting the recipe to your preferences.

Variations
For a lighter version, you can add spices such as cumin or paprika, which will add a unique flavor. You can also substitute sweet potatoes for pumpkin for a more exotic touch.

Serving tips
I recommend you serve the soup warm, with a fresh green salad or a pickle to balance the flavors.

Nutrition facts
This soup is high in protein thanks to the beef and beans, while providing a good dose of fiber. It is a healthy meal that will give you the energy you need for the day. One serving contains around 350-400 calories, making it suitable for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned beans?
Although you can use canned beans, the taste will be less intense and the texture will be different.

2. Is it possible to prepare it in advance?
Yes, soup can be cooked the day before and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor will intensify overnight.

3. How can I vary the ingredients?
Replace beef with chicken or add other vegetables such as zucchini or cabbage to add more variety.

This beef and dried white bean soup is more than just a meal; it's a culinary experience that combines tradition with creativity. Whether you enjoy it with the family or offer it to guests, it's a great choice that is sure to impress. So get cooking!

 Ingredients: 1kg beef - rib with bones 2 slices of osso buco (meat with bone and marrow) 300g dried white beans soaked overnight in water 2 carrots 2 medium onions 2 parsley roots 1 celery root greens - parsley, celery 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken soup powder 1 slice of yellow pumpkin - without seeds and skin