Smoked bean soup
Bean soup with smoked meat – a comforting delight
Bean soup with smoked meat is a traditional dish, full of flavor and warmth, reminding us of family meals and the good old days. This recipe is perfect for colder days or moments when we crave comfort. Although it is a simple recipe, the secret lies in choosing quality ingredients and the preparation technique.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients needed:
- 5 liters of water
- 400 g of beans (preferably white or yellow)
- 2-3 smoked bones (pork or beef, as preferred)
- 2 medium onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 small celery
- 1 bunch of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 100 g of pickled peppers (for a tangy taste)
- 300 ml of tomato juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of the secret of taste (salt, but you can adjust to preference)
- 50 ml of olive oil
- Lovage or tarragon (fresh, for serving)
- 2 bay leaves (for flavor)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Start with the beans: Rinse the beans well and soak them in warm water overnight. This step is essential as it helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
2. Boiling the beans: The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Add 5 liters of cold water, the smoked bones, thyme, and bay leaves. It is important not to change the water, as it will contribute to a richer flavor. Let it boil over medium heat for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the beans become soft.
3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, peel and dice the carrots, and you can finely grate the celery. These vegetables will add sweetness and nutrients to the soup.
4. Sautéing the onion: In a separate pan, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the tomato juice and let it boil for a few minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and turn the soup into an explosion of tastes.
5. Combining the ingredients: After the beans have boiled for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, add the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery) and the onion-tomato mixture. Continue to boil the soup on high heat for another 40 minutes, so all the flavors blend harmoniously.
6. Finalizing the soup: In the end, adjust the taste with freshly ground pepper and fresh lovage or tarragon. These aromatic herbs will bring added freshness to your soup. Taste and add salt as preferred, being careful not to make it too salty.
7. Serving: The bean soup with smoked meat is served hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped lovage. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or with hot peppers if you enjoy a bit of spice.
Practical tips:
- Choosing the beans: Make sure to choose quality beans, free of defects. White beans are sweeter, while yellow ones have a more pronounced taste.
- The smoked meat: The smoked bones add a unique flavor, but you can also experiment with other types of smoked meat, such as bacon or sausages.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the smoked meat and add a bit of smoked paprika to achieve a similar taste.
- Storage: The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Nutritional benefits:
Bean soup with smoked meat is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Beans are an excellent source of vegetables, high in antioxidants and vitamins, while the smoked meat adds a supply of minerals. This dish is filling and perfect for a healthy meal.
Frequently asked questions:
- Why should I soak the beans?
Soaking the beans helps shorten cooking time and improves their digestibility.
- Can I use canned beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced. Add the beans in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- How can I enrich the soup?
You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to diversify its texture and taste.
This bean soup with smoked meat is not only a tasty recipe but also a healthy choice for family meals. Prepare it with love and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this soup, and don't forget to savor every bite!
Ingredients: 5 l water 400 g beans 2-3 smoked bones 2 onions 3 carrots 1 small celery thyme 100 g pickled peppers 300 ml tomato juice pepper 1 tablespoon secret of taste 50 ml olive oil lovage/tarragon 2 bay leaves
