Sour bean soup with cornelian cherries

Recipe for Sour Bean Soup with Cornelian Cherries

Welcome to our kitchen, where tradition intertwines with unique flavors! Today, I will share a special recipe that I inherited from my grandmother. This sour bean soup with cornelian cherries is a true feast for the senses, a perfect combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let's embark together on the preparation of this delicious dish that will remind us of family meals and warm moments spent with loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 500 g white beans
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for a vibrant look)
- 1 medium onion
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 large bunches of fresh dill
- 1/2 tablespoon dill seeds
- 1 cup sour cornelian cherry jam (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- Salt, to taste

Necessary utensils

- Pressure cooker
- Pan for sautéing vegetables
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the white beans thoroughly under cold running water. Then, soak the beans in cold water 8 hours before cooking (ideally, leave them overnight). This step will reduce cooking time and aid in digestion.

2. Boiling the beans: After soaking, drain the water and place the beans in the pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover them completely. Close the pot and boil the beans for 20-25 minutes, depending on their freshness. Check if they are cooked, and the beans are soft but not mushy.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, peel and chop the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the carrot and bell pepper. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the beans are cooked, carefully open the pressure cooker and add the sautéed vegetable mixture (including the oil). Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are fully incorporated.

5. Sour the soup: Now comes the magic moment! Add the sour cornelian cherry jam to the pot. This will give the soup a unique taste and a special aroma. Be cautious with the quantity; you can adjust to your liking, but remember that the jam is quite sour and salty. Also, add the dill seeds for extra flavor. Let it boil for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Finalizing the soup: Adjust the salt in the soup, being careful not to overdo it, as the dill added has a salty note as well. Finally, add the two chopped bunches of dill, which will give an intense flavor to the dish.

7. Serving: The soup can be served hot or cold. Personally, I prefer it cold, topped with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips and tricks

- Plenty of dill: The secret of this soup is fresh dill! Don't hesitate to add a larger amount for a more intense flavor.
- Checking the salt: Do not add excessive salt, as the sour cornelian cherry jam already contains salt, which will enhance the soup's flavor.
- Variations: If you want a spicier version, add a few slices of hot pepper to the pan along with the vegetables. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or diced potatoes.
- Cornelian cherry jam: If you don't have access to cornelian cherry jam, you can substitute it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, but the taste will be different.

Nutritional benefits

Bean soup is a healthy choice, rich in plant proteins, fiber, and vitamins. White beans are known for their benefits to digestion and cardiovascular health. Dill adds extra antioxidants and vitamins, while cornelian cherries provide a revitalizing sour taste and are rich in vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions

- What kind of beans can I use? You can use white beans, but also other types, such as red or black beans, depending on your preferences. Cooking time will vary.
- Can I add meat? Of course! If you prefer a meat version, add pieces of pork or chicken during the boiling of the beans.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving recommendations

This soup pairs perfectly with warm homemade bread or polenta. You can also serve it alongside a fresh vegetable salad for a balanced lunch or dinner. A lemonade or iced tea would wonderfully complement the meal.

I hope this recipe will inspire you to spend time in the kitchen and create delicious memories with your loved ones. The sour bean soup with cornelian cherries can become a family favorite, just as it has become mine! Enjoy your meal!