Bean soup

Bean Soup - A Traditional Recipe with Heart

Bean soup is an emblematic dish, full of tradition, that brings not only flavor but also childhood memories in every bowl. This soup is perfect for chilly days when you crave comfort and warmth. Its preparation is not complicated, but it requires a little time and patience. Let's discover together how to make a delicious bean soup, full of aromas and textures!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 250 g dried beans
- 1 large onion (about 150 g)
- 1 carrot (about 100 g)
- 1 small celery (about 75 g)
- 100 g smoked bacon
- 40 ml oil (olive or sunflower)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt (to taste)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the beans:
- Start with the dried beans, which can be soaked overnight. This step not only reduces cooking time but also aids in digestion. If you didn't have time, don't worry; you can continue without soaking, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- In a 3-liter pot, add the beans and fill with water. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, then drain the water and repeat this process 2-3 times. This helps eliminate substances that can cause gastric discomfort.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Meanwhile, peel and dice the onion, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also essential nutrients to your dish.
- In a non-stick skillet, add the sliced bacon and lightly brown it. This step will release the delicious flavors of the meat, giving your soup a rich taste. Once browned, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cooking the soup:
- In the same skillet, after removing the bacon, add the oil and the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step will add a sweet flavor to the soup.
- Then, add the carrot and celery, sautéing them for a few minutes with the onion. The sautéed vegetables will bring a unique taste to your soup.
- In the pot with the beans, add the sautéed vegetables and bacon, then fill with water (about 2-3 liters) and bring to a boil. Let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. Finishing the dish:
- About 10-15 minutes before turning off the heat, add salt to taste. This step is important because adding salt too early can prevent the beans from cooking properly.
- In the last minutes, finely chop the parsley and add it to the soup for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving

Bean soup can be served hot or at room temperature, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.

Helpful tips

- Ingredient variations: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes for a fresher taste. Also, if you are vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
- Frequently asked questions: Why is it good to soak beans? Soaking beans reduces cooking time and aids in digestion. Can the soup be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the soup, but make sure to let it cool before storing it in airtight containers.
- Nutritional benefits: Bean soup is rich in plant-based proteins, fiber, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

A personal note

This bean soup reminds me of family meals, where every bowl was full of stories and laughter. It is a dish that brings people together and, regardless of the ingredients used, remains a symbol of warmth and hospitality. So invite your friends and family to the table, enjoy every spoonful, and let the soup fill your heart with joy!