Green bean soup with smoked meat

Green bean soup with smoked meat – A traditional delicacy!

Green bean soup, or rather "soup with pods", is a recipe that evokes warm and kind memories, often associated with family Sunday meals. This aromatic and nutritious soup not only refreshes the soul but also offers a delightful taste, especially when enriched with smoked meat. It may not just be a simple soup, but a story of culinary traditions, a mix of fresh ingredients coming together in a dance of flavors. Preparing it can be a true pleasure, so let's venture into this captivating recipe, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

- 600 g green beans (pods)
- 300 g smoked bacon or kaiser
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 medium onion
- 1 celery root
- 1 kohlrabi
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 150 ml tomato juice
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (sweet or spicy, according to preference)
- Fresh parsley and lovage (for decoration)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Pickled hot peppers (for an extra flavor at the end)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the green beans well and breaking the pods into pieces of about 3-4 cm, removing the ends. Choose fresh beans with a vibrant color to achieve a flavorful soup. Peel and cut all the other vegetables into cubes or slices: carrot, parsley root, celery, kohlrabi, and red bell pepper. The onion will be finely chopped.

Step 2: Boiling the bacon
In a large pot, add the smoked bacon cut into pieces and the chopped onion. Cover with water and add a little salt (make sure it is not too salty, as the bacon will already contribute its saltiness). Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for 20-30 minutes until the meat becomes tender.

Step 3: Sautéing the vegetables
In a frying pan, add the 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped carrot, parsley, celery, kohlrabi, and red bell pepper. Add paprika for a nice color. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Adding the beans and vegetables
After the bacon has boiled, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot, followed by the green beans. Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to enhance their flavor. Mix well and let everything simmer together for 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the roux
In a separate saucepan, heat one tablespoon of oil and fry the flour for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato juice and mix well to avoid lumps. Add enough water to thicken the mixture while keeping it fluid. This "roux" will give the soup a creamy consistency and wonderful taste.

Step 6: Finalizing the soup
When the beans and vegetables are cooked, add the roux to the pot. Let it boil together for 2-3 minutes. Taste to check if more salt or pepper is needed. At the end, you can add sour cream directly into the pot or serve it at the table for each portion.

Serving
Place the soup in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lovage. If you like, add pickled hot peppers for an extra flavor. This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade, freshly baked bread.

Tips and tricks
- Beans: Choose fresh green beans with a vibrant color. If using frozen beans, do not thaw them before adding to the soup to maintain their crunchiness.
- Bacon: If you choose smoked bacon, the flavor will be richer. You can also experiment with other types of smoked meats, such as sausages or bacon.
- Roux: Make sure to mix the flour well with the oil and tomato juice to avoid lumps. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water.

Nutritional information
This soup is rich in fiber due to the green beans and vegetables, making it a healthy option for a balanced meal. Additionally, the bacon provides essential proteins, while the vegetables bring important vitamins for health. A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace bacon with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

2. How can I make the soup vegetarian?
You can prepare it without meat, adding more vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor.

3. What other spices can I use?
You can add thyme or bay leaf for an extra flavor.

4. What is the best way to store the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be frozen, but it is recommended to add sour cream before serving, not before freezing.

Variations
To customize the soup to your preferences, you can add potatoes, peas, or even zucchini depending on the season. You can also experiment with different types of tomato juices, such as spicy or flavored ones, to give the recipe a twist.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This green bean soup with smoked meat will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Green beans (approximately 600 g used) 300 g smoked ribs or kaiser carrots parsley root dried onion celery root kohlrabi red pepper oil one tablespoon of flour 150 ml tomato juice salt, pepper, paprika green parsley, lovage sour cream The quantities are approximate, depending on how much soup we want to make.

 Tags:  green bean soup