Bean soup

Bean soup – a classic dish, full of flavor and history, that combines tradition with the natural flavors of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a Friday, when you want to enjoy a comforting dish that brings a warm and familiar note to your home. Bean soup is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious and nourishing meal.

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

Ingredients:
- 500 g beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 1 celery root (or 2-3 stalks of celery)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 5-6 peppercorns
- 200 ml tomato puree (or fresh chopped tomatoes)
- salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- fresh basil (optional)
- fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparing bean soup is a simple process, but it requires a bit of patience and attention to detail to achieve a perfect result. Start by preparing the beans, which are the base ingredient of this soup.

1. Soaking the beans: Soak the beans in warm water, letting them sit for 4-6 hours or ideally overnight. This will help rehydrate the beans and reduce cooking time. If you're in a hurry, soaking for 1-2 hours can work, but it won't be as effective.

2. Initial boiling: After the beans have soaked, drain the water and rinse the beans well under cold running water. Place them in a large pot, add clean water, and bring to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add a teaspoon of baking soda. This trick helps soften the beans and can reduce cooking time. Boil for 10-15 minutes, then discard this water to eliminate any impurities.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, peel and chop the vegetables. The onion, carrot, bell peppers, and celery can be diced, and the carrot can be grated for better integration with the other ingredients. These vegetables will provide the soup with a rich flavor and a pleasing appearance.

4. Cooking the soup: After discarding the second water from the beans, add fresh water to the pot, enough to cover the beans. When the water starts boiling again, add the chopped vegetables, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Now is the time to add salt, but it’s good to adjust it later during cooking to avoid making the soup too salty.

5. Adding the puree: When the beans are almost ready (about 50 minutes of boiling), add the tomato puree (or fresh tomatoes if you prefer a fresher version). Let it boil for another 10 minutes, so the flavors combine well.

6. Finishing the soup: In the last minutes, add dried or fresh basil if you like, and check the taste. After the soup has boiled for another 3-5 minutes, remove it from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Serving: Bean soup is wonderful served warm, alongside pickles or green onions, which add a pleasant contrast to the rich flavor of the soup. You can even add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on available ingredients or your preferences.

Nutritional benefits: Bean soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Beans contain B vitamins and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, it is low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned beans? Yes, but you should rinse them well and reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked.
2. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Potatoes, zucchini, or even mushrooms can be added to vary the recipe.
3. How can I store the soup for later? Bean soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.

Possible variations: If you want to try a spicy version, you can add hot peppers or spices like cumin. Another interesting option is to add some slices of smoked sausage, which will give it a distinct flavor.

Bean soup can be a true feast, not just a simple meal, when prepared with love and care. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every step of the cooking process! Bon appétit!