Green bean soup with garlic
Green bean soup with garlic
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 5
Green bean soup with garlic is a delicious and comforting recipe that brings a hint of spring in every spoonful. It's a great choice for chilly days or family meals, with a vibrant flavor and inviting aroma. This soup is not only tasty, but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any diet.
The history of green bean soup is a fascinating one, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It has been prepared for generations, prized for its simplicity and versatility of ingredients. Over the years, each housewife has added her own personal touch, and today we have the chance to enjoy a simple and delicious version.
Ingredients:
- 700 g fresh green beans
- 100 g smoked bacon
- 100 g onion
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 2-3 celery leaves
- 100 g sour cream
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 200 g tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 40 g flour
- Salt to taste
Helpful ingredient tips:
- Choose fresh green beans with tender pods that are vibrant green. Frozen beans are a good alternative, but the taste of fresh is unbeatable.
- Smoked bacon adds a great taste to the soup, but you can replace it with bacon or even a vegetarian version, using olive oil to add flavor.
- Tomatoes can be fresh or canned; if you use fresh tomatoes, make sure they're well ripe to bring a sweet-sour taste to the soup.
- Garlic is a star ingredient in this recipe, bringing not only flavor but also health benefits such as boosting the immune system.
Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the green beans. Trim the ends and, if necessary, cut the pods into pieces of about 3-4 cm. Wash them well under cold running cold water.
2. Cut the bacon and onions: Cut the smoked bacon into small cubes. Peel the onion and chop finely. This combination will add a savory taste and unmistakable flavors to the soup.
3. Cooking the bacon and onions: In a large saucepan, add the bacon cubes and brown over medium heat until crispy. Add the chopped onion and cook with the bacon for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Adding the beans and tomatoes: Add the green beans to the pot and stir well. If using fresh tomatoes, chop them and add them now; if using canned tomatoes, add them as well. Stir everything to combine the flavors.
5. Boiling the soup: Add water until ingredients are completely covered, simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. This is when all the flavors will blend harmoniously.
6. Making the sour cream base: In a bowl, whisk the flour with a few tablespoons of water to avoid lumps. Add the mixture to the soup and stir well. This step will thicken the soup and add a creamy texture.
7. Flavoring: Crush the garlic cloves with the blade of a knife and add them to the soup along with the celery leaves. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more, until the beans are tender but not overcooked.
8. Finishing the soup: Before serving, add finely chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
To serve:
This green bean garlic soup is perfect as an appetizer or main course, served with a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkled with fresh parsley. You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons for added texture.
Possible variations:
- For a spicy variation, add a few chili pepper flakes during cooking.
- For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes at the beginning of the cooking process.
- You can experiment with other herbs, such as thyme or marjoram, to add a unique touch to the soup.
Nutritional benefits:
Green bean soup is high in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin A and C), and essential minerals such as potassium. This is an excellent option for supporting digestive health and improving the immune system.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are a convenient alternative and can be used directly without the need to thaw.
- How can I make vegetarian soup? Replace the bacon with olive oil and omit the dairy, using coconut milk for a creamy texture.
- What is the shelf life of soup? Soup can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
So enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup that will not only warm your soul, but also bring a little bit of joy every day!
Ingredients: For 5 servings: green beans - 700 g, smoked bacon - 100 g, onion - 100 g, parsley - 1 bunch, celery leaves - 2-3 leaves, sour cream - 100 g, garlic - 3-4 cloves, rice - 200 g, flour - 40 g, salt to taste.
