Vegetable Bean Soup

Vegetable bean soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for cool days or moments when you crave a bowl of warmth. This simple and quick recipe brings together accessible ingredients, transforming them into a delicious soup that will delight both friends and family.

Start by preparing for a pleasant culinary experience! Bean soup is rich in protein and vitamins, and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to eat healthily.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 parsley root
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 jar of green beans (approximately 400g)
- 1 can of kidney beans (approximately 400g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thyme or fresh parsley for seasoning
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 200 ml tomato puree

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
- Start by peeling the carrots and parsley root. Cut them into small cubes for even cooking. Chop the onion finely, and dice the red bell pepper.
- These vegetables not only provide a rich flavor to the soup but also an essential vitamin boost.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the carrots, parsley root, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft. This step will enhance the flavors and add depth to the soup.

3. Adding water:
- Once the vegetables are sautéed, add water to the desired level (approximately 1.5 liters). You can adjust the amount of water depending on how thick you prefer the soup.
- Let it simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the vegetables are well cooked.

4. Including the beans:
- Drain the green beans from the jar and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives. Add the green beans and drained kidney beans to the pot.
- These two types of beans bring a delicious texture and healthy protein, turning the soup into a true feast.

5. Seasoning the soup:
- Adjust the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the tomato puree, which will give the soup a vibrant color and rich flavor. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- You can also add a pinch of thyme or fresh parsley for an extra flavor boost.

6. Finalizing the dish:
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as preferred.

Serving:
Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top. You can accompany the bean soup with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons for added flavor.

Useful tips:
- Variations: If you want a spicier soup, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or celery, to diversify the flavor.
- Nutritional benefits: Bean soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, being low in fat. Carrots and red bell peppers provide an important supply of vitamin A and antioxidants.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Yes, but make sure to soak and cook them separately before adding them to the soup.
- How can I make the soup thicker? You can add diced potatoes or pasta, which will make the soup more filling.

Drink suggestion:
This soup pairs wonderfully with fresh lemonade or a glass of dry white wine, which will complement the flavors of the vegetables.

Vegetable bean soup is not just a delicious dish, but also a recipe that brings back memories of moments spent with loved ones around the table. Whether you make it on a cool evening or to bring a touch of comfort into your life, this recipe will surely bring you joy and flavor. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 carrots, 1 onion, 1 parsley, 1 red bell pepper, 1 jar of green beans, 1 can of kidney beans, salt and pepper to taste, thyme or parsley to taste, a little oil, 200 ml of broth

 Tags:  bean soup