Green bean soup

Green bean soup is a classic, comforting, and flavorful recipe, perfect for moments when you want to enjoy a healthy and soothing meal. This soup is not only nutritious but also a true explosion of colors and flavors that will bring a smile to your face. Additionally, green bean soup is an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians, as it is rich in essential nutrients. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare it, along with some useful tips and variations.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g green beans (preferably yellow for a vibrant appearance)
- 3 medium potatoes (preferably new)
- 1 red bell pepper (I recommend choosing a very fresh one)
- 2 carrots (they should be sweet and crunchy)
- 1 parsnip (this will add a subtle sweetness)
- 1 onion (for a more intense flavor, you can opt for red onion)
- 1 cup of borscht (if you prefer a more pronounced acidity, choose homemade borscht)
- Fresh lovage (about one bunch, freshly chopped)
- 1 cup of tomato juice (can also be freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon of oil (olive oil adds a more refined taste)
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing the green bean soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
- Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables well. Cut the carrots and parsnip into thin rounds, and you can leave the onion whole for easier removal later.
- Cut the potatoes into quarters and the red bell pepper into small cubes.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the carrots, parsnip, and the whole onion. Let it boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- After this interval, add the cleaned green beans broken into small pieces. Make sure the water slightly exceeds the level of the vegetables. If necessary, top up with hot water.

3. Adding the potatoes and bell pepper:
- When the vegetables are halfway cooked, add the cut potatoes and red bell pepper. This will add a sweet note and a pleasant appearance to the soup.

4. Preparing the borscht:
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, strain the borscht and bring it to a boil for 5-10 minutes. Add a few lovage leaves for a special and aromatic taste.

5. Finalizing the soup:
- After all the vegetables are cooked, remove the onion from the pot. Add the tomato juice, oil, boiled borscht, and adjust the salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes for all the flavors to blend perfectly.

6. Serving:
- The green bean soup is served hot, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh lovage. You can add a tablespoon of sour cream for a creamy taste and a note of freshness. If you like it spicy, feel free to add a hot pepper on the side!

Useful tips:
- If you want to enrich the soup, you can add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or celery.
- A delicious variation is to add a few cooked corn kernels, which will provide a pleasant texture and natural sweetness.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, you can also add a handful of rice or quinoa.

Nutritional information:
- A serving of green bean soup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and sour cream added. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamins A and C), and essential minerals.

Personal stories and variations:
This recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who made it every Sunday. The green bean soup was always accompanied by an apple pie, and the aroma in the kitchen brought us all a sense of warmth and family. I remember how we would gather around the table, savoring every spoonful.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
- Absolutely! Make sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.

2. How can I make the green bean soup more sour?
- You can add more borscht or lemon juice, to taste.

3. Can the soup be stored in the fridge?
- Yes! The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it over low heat before serving.

Green bean soup is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. I encourage you to prepare it with love and share it with those around you!

 Ingredients: 400 g green beans (I had yellow) 3 potatoes 1 red bell pepper 2 carrots 1 parsnip 1 onion 1 cup of borscht 1 cup of green parsley 1 cup of tomato juice 1 tablespoon of oil