Lentil soup with dill

Dried bean soup with dill - a traditional, healthy, and comforting recipe. This soup is a true symbol of Romanian cuisine, often prepared during fasting days or when we crave a light yet flavorful dish. Over time, bean soup has been appreciated not only for its taste but also for the nutritional benefits it offers. Rich in plant-based proteins, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is an excellent choice for maintaining a balanced diet.

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

Ingredients:
- 500 g dried beans
- 4 medium-sized carrots
- 2 parsley roots
- 1/2 celery
- 2 large yellow peppers
- 1 large onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 bunches of fresh dill leaves
- 1 hot pepper
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Thyme (optional)
- Water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the beans: The night before, soak the beans in cold water. This step is essential as it helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the beans. The next day, drain the beans and rinse them under cold running water.

2. Initial boiling: In a pot of about 4 liters, add the beans and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes. This first boiling helps eliminate substances that can cause gastric discomfort. After 10 minutes, change the water twice to remove any impurities.

3. Adding the vegetables: Add fresh water to the pot along with the finely chopped onion and bay leaf. Let it boil over medium heat for about 45 minutes, until the beans become soft.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the carrots, parsley, celery, and yellow peppers. When the beans are nearly done, add the chopped vegetables to the pot and let them boil together for another 15 minutes.

5. Preparing the tomatoes: For added flavor, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Blanch the tomatoes for a few minutes, then remove them and let them cool. Peel and chop them finely, adding them to the soup.

6. Preparing the roux: In a skillet, heat a little oil and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for a minute, then add the flour and mix well until it becomes slightly browned. This mixture will help thicken the soup. Once the flour is browned, add the paprika and mix quickly.

7. Finalizing the soup: Use a ladle to take some of the soup broth and add it to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once everything is well combined, pour the mixture back into the pot. Let it boil for another 10 minutes. Adjust with salt, pepper, and add vinegar to taste.

8. Seasoning: Finally, add the chopped fresh dill leaves and, if desired, a little thyme for extra flavor.

9. Serving: The bean soup is served hot, ideally alongside a hot pepper for those who love spice. You can accompany the soup with pickles, such as pickled cucumbers, to add a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Helpful tips:
- You can replace some of the beans with lentils for a quicker preparation.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a few diced potatoes.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator, and the next day it will taste even better due to the resting time.

Nutritional information:
Bean soup is an excellent source of plant-based proteins, having approximately 200 calories per serving. It is also rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

Possible variations:
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, to diversify the flavor.
- If you want a more sophisticated note, replace the vinegar with lemon juice for a fresher acidity.

In conclusion, dried bean soup with dill is not only a simple and tasty recipe but also a dish that evokes family meals, traditions, and moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g beans, 4 medium carrots, 2 parsley roots, 1/2 celery, 2 bell peppers, 2 bunches of fresh dill, 1 hot pepper, 4 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, thyme, bay leaves, tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons of flour, paprika.

 Tags:  bean soup