Bean soup in a bread bowl

Bean soup in a bread bowl – A Traditional Delicacy with an Innovative Twist

Bean soup is one of those dishes that reminds us of family meals, moments spent around the table, savoring rich flavors and warm comfort. Made with simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring smiles to your face. And if we add a crunchy bread bowl for serving, we have the perfect combination!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the bean soup:
- 500 g beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 400 g smoked bacon or kaizer, diced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated or diced
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup tomato juice (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme, for flavor
- A bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 peppers (one red, one green), diced
- A small piece of celery or root celery, grated
- Dried basil, for an extra flavor

For the bread bowl:
- 500 g flour
- 200 ml warm water
- 1 cube of yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

1. Preparing the beans:
- Start by cleaning, washing, and soaking the beans overnight in cold water. This process helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the beans.
- The next day, drain the beans and place them in a pot with fresh water. Boil over medium heat until it starts to boil, then discard the water. This helps eliminate substances that can cause gastric discomfort.
- Add boiled water and salt, then add the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion). Boil the beans until soft, about 30-40 minutes.

2. Preparing the meat:
- In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the diced bacon or kaizer. Sauté until crispy, then add the tomato juice and let it simmer for a few minutes.

3. Finalizing the soup:
- Once the beans are well-cooked, add the bacon mixture to the pot. Let it simmer together for 5-10 minutes.
- Finally, add the bay leaf, fresh or dried thyme, basil, and finely chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Preparing the bread bowl:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and add the olive oil. Pour the wet mixture over the flour and knead well until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape them into two round loaves. Place them in greased pans and let them rise for another 20 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes, until golden and baked.

5. Assembly:
- After the bread is baked, remove it from the pans and cut off the top. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of bread.
- Pour the bean soup into the bread bowls and serve immediately, alongside red onion and chili pepper, if you enjoy a bit of spice.

Serving Suggestions

Bean soup in a bread bowl is a standalone meal, but you can accompany it with a fresh summer salad or pickles for an extra texture and flavor. It can be an excellent choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Useful Tips

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute bacon with mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- If you don’t have time to soak the beans, you can use canned beans, adding them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Bean soup is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop and blend perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Bean soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. Beans are rich in antioxidants, while bacon provides healthy fats. A serving of this soup contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can use red or black beans, but the cooking time may vary.

- How long can the soup be stored?
Bean soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for longer periods.

- Can I make the soup in advance?
Absolutely! It is even tastier the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

A Personal Note

This bean soup recipe in a bread bowl is not just a meal, but an experience. Each spoonful will remind you of warm moments spent with loved ones. So, don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family to create unforgettable memories around the table! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the bean soup: About 500 g of beans, 400 g of smoked bacon or kaizer, 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 cup of tomato juice, a bay leaf, salt and pepper, thyme, fresh parsley, 2 bell peppers, a small piece of celery, dried basil. For the bread: about 500 g of flour, 200 ml of warm water, a cube of yeast, salt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

 Tags:  soup recipe beans with meat bean soup philips multicooker recipes