Green bean soup with tomatoes

Green bean soup with tomatoes - a classic recipe, full of flavors and nostalgia, perfect for warm days or moments when we crave a light and healthy meal. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, offering us an explosion of tastes and colors on the plate. In the following, I will guide you step by step in preparing this recipe, bringing you useful information and tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 bowl of green beans (approximately 300 g)
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 green onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip root (approximately 100 g)
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of borscht (approximately 250 ml)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning the green beans, cutting off their ends and washing them well. Then, cut them in half or into thirds, depending on their size. Choose smaller beans, as they are more tender and flavorful.

2. Tomatoes: To prepare them, blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds in boiling water, then transfer them to cold water to peel them more easily. Cut them into cubes.

3. Onion and carrot: Clean the green onion and chop it finely. The carrot should be peeled and cut into small cubes for even cooking.

4. Parsnip: Peel the parsnip and cut it into cubes similar to those of the carrot to match the soup's texture.

5. Bell pepper: Clean the yellow bell pepper and the red bell pepper of seeds, then cut them into small squares.

6. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and tomatoes, letting them sweat for 2-3 minutes. Then add the carrot and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Boiling the soup: Add approximately 5-6 liters of water to the pot and let it boil. When the water starts to boil, add the green beans, parsnip, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat.

8. Adjusting the taste: After about 20 minutes, check if the green beans and other vegetables are cooked. Then, add salt, pepper, and the borscht. Let it boil for a few more minutes.

9. Finishing the soup: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. Cover with a lid and let the soup rest for 5 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend and become more intense.

Serving:

The green bean soup with tomatoes can be served hot or cold. Enhance its flavor by adding a spoonful of sour cream on top or, for those who prefer something spicier, you can add sliced hot peppers. A slice of fresh bread on the side is perfect for enjoying the soup.

Practical tips:

- Caring for green beans: Choose beans with a vibrant green color and no spots. Avoid those that are too large or have a soft texture.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables depending on the season, such as zucchini or potatoes. Also, the soup can be enriched with a few cubes of chicken or beef for extra protein.
- Borscht: If you prefer a more sour taste, you can add more borscht or use lemon juice to achieve the same acidity.

Nutritional benefits:

The green bean soup with tomatoes is a nourishing dish, rich in vitamins and minerals. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber, aiding digestion, while tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which contributes to heart health. Carrots and parsnips provide vitamin A, essential for eye health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are a good option, but make sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.
- Can the soup be stored? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is even tastier the next day when the flavors have melded.
- What drinks pair well with this soup? A cold lemonade or a winter tea would be excellent accompaniments to balance the flavors of the soup.

This green bean soup with tomatoes is more than just a simple recipe; it is an explosion of flavors and a reminder of culinary traditions. I wish you happy cooking and a meal full of joy!

 Ingredients: 1 small bowl of green beans, 4 tomatoes, 1 green onion, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip root, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1/2 red bell pepper, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, 1 cup of borscht, 3 tablespoons of oil