Bean soup

Bean soup is one of those traditional recipes that brings not only delicious flavors but also beautiful childhood memories. It is a comforting dish, perfect for cool days, that will turn any meal into a celebration of tastes. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious, considering that beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 300 g beans (can be white or red, depending on preferences)
- 1 large onion
- 150 g root vegetables (carrot, celery, parsley)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 100 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 1 liter of water
- 2-3 tablespoons borscht (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 100 g noodles
- Spices (oregano, sweet paprika)
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans well. You can soak them in cold water for 4-6 hours before cooking, which will reduce the boiling time and make the beans easier to digest. Boil the beans in salted water for about 30 minutes until soft. Then, drain the beans and rinse them with cold water to remove excess salt and impurities.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the diced root vegetables (carrot, celery, parsley) and continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes. Here you can also add a pinch of salt to help the vegetables release their juices.

3. Add the beans: Once the vegetables have softened, add the beans to the pot and mix well. Add the tomato paste, which will give the soup a vibrant color and rich flavor. Continue to simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, gradually adding water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Sour with borscht: After 20 minutes, add the borscht and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to combine. The borscht adds a tangy note, which is characteristic of this type of soup.

5. Noodles: Once the soup has started to boil, add the noodles. Let it cook according to the package instructions, usually between 5 and 7 minutes. The noodles will absorb the flavors of the soup and add a pleasant texture.

6. Finishing and serving: Turn off the heat and add the chopped dill and lovage. These fresh herbs will enhance the soup's flavor. Cover the pot and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop further. The bean soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:

- For extra flavor: Add a few peppercorns during boiling or a bay leaf. These will add a subtle but refined taste.
- Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but you can replace the sour cream with vegan yogurt or tahini paste for a unique flavor.
- Spicier soup: If you like spicy food, add a chopped hot pepper or a bit of hot paprika during preparation.
- Heartier soup: You can add a few cubes of potatoes or zucchini to make it heartier, turning it into a main dish.

Now that you have the complete recipe, I suggest you try it and enjoy every bite! Bean soup pairs perfectly with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or a crunchy green salad.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned beans? Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just make sure to rinse them well before use.
2. How long can the soup be stored? Bean soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy its flavor.
3. What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with different vegetables or herbs like coriander or basil for a personalized taste.

This soup is not just a nutritious dish but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together at the table. I wish you good luck in preparing this recipe and look forward to hearing your impressions of the comforting taste of bean soup!