Green bean soup

Green Bean Soup – A Warm Embrace on a Plate

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you're looking for a simple and flavorful recipe, green bean soup is the perfect choice. This recipe combines fresh ingredients with delicate flavors, creating a nourishing and comforting soup, ideal for both chilly days and moments when you want to indulge in a healthy dish.

The History of Soups
Soup, in its various forms, has a long history, used over time to gather family around the table. It has been an effective way to utilize available ingredients, transforming them into hearty and flavorful meals. Green bean soup is a classic recipe that pays tribute to simple, natural ingredients bursting with taste.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh green beans
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 medium potato
- 1 tomato (or a canned tomato)
- 4 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped herbs (parsley or dill)
- Sour cream for serving

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the green beans:
Start by trimming the green beans and cutting them into pieces about 4-5 cm long. It's important to choose fresh beans that are firm and vibrant. After cutting the beans, wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Boiling the beans:
In a pot, add salted water and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the chopped green beans. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes, then remove them from the water and drain. This step helps retain the vibrant color and nutrients.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
In a separate pot, bring 3 liters of water to a boil. Meanwhile, peel the onion, carrot, potato, and tomato. Dice the onion and carrot into small cubes, and cut the potato into medium-sized cubes. If using a canned tomato, you can skip this step.

4. Adding the vegetables to the water:
When the water is boiling, add the onion and carrot. Let it boil over medium heat for 10 minutes until the vegetables become slightly soft.

5. Adding the beans and potato:
After 10 minutes, add the green beans and the diced potato to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Preparing the roux:
In a small saucepan, add the 4 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly golden. This is a roux, which will give the soup its consistency.

7. Finalizing the soup:
Once the roux is ready, add the paprika and a cup of cold water. Mix well to avoid lumps. Add this mixture to the soup, along with the diced tomato, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

8. Serving:
Green bean soup is served hot, sprinkled with fresh chopped herbs and a spoonful of sour cream on top. This will add creaminess and balance the flavors.

Practical Tips:
- Fresh ingredients: Choose seasonal fresh green beans for a more intense flavor. If you don't have access to fresh green beans, you can use frozen green beans, but the taste will be slightly different.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery, zucchini, or bell peppers, to add diversity.
- Sour cream: If you want a lighter version, you can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, which adds a delicious taste and is lower in calories.
- Combinations: This soup pairs excellently with a slice of homemade bread or crunchy croutons, which add a pleasant texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why should I remove the green beans from the water after boiling?: This helps maintain the color and texture, preventing a less appealing soup.
- Can I use canned beans?: Although not recommended, in an emergency, you can use canned beans, but add them towards the end of the preparation to avoid them breaking down.

Nutritional Benefits:
Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, making them an excellent ingredient for a healthy diet. This soup is low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I recommend experimenting with this recipe and personalizing it to your taste. Green bean soup is more than just a meal; it's a warm and comforting embrace that will make you feel at home, no matter where you are. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the moments spent around the table!

 Ingredients: 1 kg green beans, 1 large onion, 1 carrot, 1 potato, 1 tomato, 4 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, pepper, chopped herbs, sour cream

 Tags:  green beans soup potatoes