Bean soup

Bean Borscht - A Warm Delicacy for the Soul

Of course, you've heard of the famous bean borscht, a traditional recipe that has brought smiles to many generations. This borscht is an excellent choice for colder days or for moments when you need a comforting, flavorful meal. It is also a versatile recipe, perfect for vegans and vegetarians, as well as for those who want to enjoy a healthy meal.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 100 g cooked large beans (you can also use canned beans for a shorter cooking time)
- 4 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 carrot (medium, diced)
- 1 parsnip (diced)
- ½ celery (about 100 g, diced)
- 1 onion (medium, finely chopped)
- 50 g noodle (or regular noodles, if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons chopped bell peppers and sweet peppers (you can also use canned vegetables)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Thyme (to taste)
- Sour borscht (to taste, generally start with 200 ml)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Hot pepper or fresh onion (for serving)

Useful tips about ingredients:
- Large beans provide a rich texture and pleasant taste, but if you prefer, you can also try white or red beans.
- Noodles are an excellent choice for a meal without animal products, but you can replace them with egg noodles for extra flavor.
- Sweet peppers and bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins, and if you have fresh sweet peppers, don't hesitate to use them, as their aroma is unmistakable.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by dicing the carrot, parsnip, celery, and onion into small cubes. These vegetables will add a delicious flavor to your borscht and provide a pleasant texture.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 4 tablespoons of oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden. Then, add the carrot, parsnip, and celery. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Boiling the vegetables: After the vegetables are sautéed, add water (about 1.5 liters), the bay leaf, and let them boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until tender.

4. Adding the noodles and peppers: Once the vegetables are boiled, add the noodles and chopped peppers. Boil everything for about 5-7 minutes until the noodles are ready. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the beans and seasoning: After the noodles have boiled, add the cooked (or canned) beans, salt, pepper, thyme, and sour borscht. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Let the borscht boil for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Preparing for serving: Once the borscht is ready, remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve the borscht hot, alongside hot pepper or fresh onion, depending on your preferences.

Stories and variations:
This bean borscht recipe can be customized in many ways. For example, you can add other vegetables like potatoes or zucchini. Also, for a spicy touch, add a bit of hot pepper while sautéing the vegetables. If you want a heartier borscht, you can use more beans or add some pieces of smoked sausage, but of course, this will deviate from the vegan version.

Nutritional benefits:
Bean borscht is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Beans are an excellent source of fiber, contributing to digestive health, while vegetables add essential nutrients. This borscht is low in calories and ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, it’s a quick and convenient option. Just make sure to rinse them well before use.
- How can I make the borscht more sour? Gradually add the sour borscht, tasting along the way, until you reach the desired level of acidity.
- What can I serve with bean borscht? This borscht pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, polenta, or even a summer salad.

This bean borscht recipe is not only a delicious meal but also a perfect opportunity to enjoy time spent in the kitchen, cooking with love for your loved ones. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 100 g cooked large beans, 4 tablespoons of oil, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, half a celery, 1 onion, 50 g of pasta for fasting, 2 tablespoons of chopped bell peppers and pickled peppers (or canned vegetables), salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, sour borscht.