Bean soup

Bean soup - A traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Boiling time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Bean soup is an iconic recipe that brings together tradition and authentic flavors. This soup is more than just a simple meal - it's a story about community, family and the joy of sharing unforgettable moments at the table. Prepared with simple, natural ingredients, bean soup turns into a nourishing delicacy, ideal for chilly days or when we want to indulge in a comforting comfort food.

Ingredients needed:

- 500 g kidney beans
- 4-5 fresh tomatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery root
- 1 dried onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 green onion
- 1 green garlic clove
- ½ cup tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- A few sprigs of dill
- 1 bunch green dill
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 50 ml olive oil

Preparation step by step:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the kidney beans well under cold running water. Then put them in a bowl of water and soak them from evening until morning. This step is essential as it helps reduce boiling time and improves the digestibility of the beans.

2. Boiling beans: In the morning, change the water the beans have been sitting in and boil them with a little salt. Once the water starts to boil, let it boil for a few minutes, then discard the water and replace it with clean, preferably hot, water. This trick helps make the soup easier to digest.

3. Adding spices: Add salt, peppercorns and bay leaves to the pot. Let the beans simmer for about an hour, until tender.

4. Prepare the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the carrots, parsnips, celery, onions and peppers. Chop them finely or grate, depending on your preference. These vegetables will add extra flavor and nutrients to your soup.

5. Adding the vegetables: Once the beans have cooked for an hour, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Let them simmer together for 30 minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly.

6. Tomatoes and greens: Grate the tomatoes and add them to the soup. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Finally, add the finely chopped green onion and green garlic, seasoning again with salt and pepper. Don't forget to add paprika and thyme, which will intensify the flavors.

7. Preparing the sauteed onions: In a small pan, add the olive oil and heat it. Add chopped dried onion and sauté until golden brown. Then, add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and simmer together for 2-3 minutes.

8. Finalizing the soup: Once the soup is ready, add the onion and tomato paste mixture to the pot and stir well. Let the soup sit for 15 minutes on the heat, then turn it off.

9. Adding fresh greens: At the end, add the dill, dill, and spearmint, all chopped finely. These fresh herbs will add a final touch of freshness to your soup.

10. Serving: Serve the bean soup warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or, for extra flavor, a chilli pepper. Add a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast.

Practical tips:

- Bean variety: You can experiment with different types of beans, such as red beans or white beans, for different flavors.
- Enriching the soup: Add a few finely chopped smoked sausages for a richer flavor and crunchy texture.
- Spice up the broth: If you like spicy broth, feel free to add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes while cooking.

Nutritional benefits:

Kidney bean soup is an excellent source of plant protein, fiber and vitamins. Beans contain antioxidants and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium, making them ideal for a healthy diet. It is also low in calories, with around 180-200 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients added.

FAQs:

- Can I use canned beans? Although dried beans offer a more intense flavor, you can also use canned beans. Make sure you rinse them well before adding them to the soup.
- How long does the soup keep? Bean soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for later consumption.
- What can I do with leftovers? You can turn leftover stock into a filling for pies or tarts by adding extra cheese and spices.

This bean soup is not only a comforting meal, but also an opportunity to gather the family around the table. So feel free to share this recipe with your loved ones and create delicious memories together. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For boiling the beans: - 500 g of beans; - 4-5 fresh tomatoes; - 1 carrot; - 1 parsnip; - celery root; - 1 dry onion + 1 dry onion; - 1 bell pepper; - 1 bunch of green onions; - 1 bunch of green garlic; - 1/2 cup of tomato juice; - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste; - salt; - pepper; - bay leaf; - thyme; - paprika; - a few sprigs of dill; - 1 bunch of lovage; - a few fresh mint leaves; - 50 ml of olive oil