Bean soup with smoked meat

Bean soup with smoked meat: an unforgettable taste

Bean soup with smoked meat is a traditional Romanian dish that brings warm memories of family meals gathered around a rich table. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also provides nutritional benefits, being rich in plant proteins and fibers. Moreover, the aroma of the smoked meat adds an extra layer of flavor, turning this soup into a true feast.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 400 g beans
- 300 g smoked meat (preferably smoked pork belly or sausages)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 200 ml tomato juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Fresh lovage, for serving (optional)

Preparing the beans:

1. Selecting and soaking the beans: Start by selecting the beans, removing any damaged or broken ones. Place the beans in a large bowl with warm water and let them soak overnight. This step is crucial as it helps reduce cooking time and eliminates toxins from the beans.

2. Boiling the beans: The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil. When it starts boiling, add a teaspoon of baking soda. This not only helps with the digestion of the beans but also shortens the cooking time. After a few minutes, change the water for hot water. Repeat this process twice, making sure to use hot water each time.

3. Adding the smoked meat: After the beans have boiled in the three waters, add the smoked meat cut into cubes. Let it boil together for about 20-30 minutes until the beans become soft.

Preparing the vegetables and the roux:

4. Preparing the vegetables: In the meantime, finely chop the onion, carrot, and bell peppers. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup.

5. The roux: In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Then add the bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour and mix well, being careful not to form lumps. This will thicken the soup and add a pleasant texture.

Adding the ingredients and final boiling:

6. Finalizing the dish: After the smoked meat has boiled with the beans, add the vegetable mixture and roux to the pot. Mix well and let it boil for 15 minutes.

7. Seasoning: Add the tomato juice, salt, pepper, thyme, and mix again. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

8. Serving the soup: Bean soup with smoked meat is served hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh lovage, which adds a fresh and aromatic taste. It can be accompanied by warm homemade bread or polenta, which perfectly completes the meal.

Practical tips:

- For an even more intense flavor: You can add a few whole black peppercorns or bay leaves during boiling.
- Variations: If you want to add a spicy note, you can add a few slices of hot pepper. You can also use different types of smoked meat, such as smoked sausages or ham, to diversify the flavor.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of bean soup with smoked meat contains approximately 350-400 calories. It is an excellent source of proteins, fibers, and vitamins, making it ideal for a healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned beans?: Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the soup to eliminate excess salt and preservatives.
2. How long can I keep the soup?: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it on the stove before serving.
3. Is the soup vegetarian?: No, but you can adapt the recipe by using vegetables instead of smoked meat for a delicious vegetarian version.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Bean soup with smoked meat will surely become a family favorite, combining tradition with refined tastes. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400g beans, 300g smoked meat, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 2 teaspoons of oil, tomato juice, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf