Bean soup

Bean soup with noodles – a warm and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Bean soup is a classic dish, perfect for chilly days or when we crave a hearty and healthy meal. This dish not only delights our taste buds but also has a long history, being associated with moments of conviviality and culinary traditions. In many cultures, bean soup has been a symbol of prosperity and hospitality, bringing people together at the table.

Here’s how you can prepare a delicious and nourishing bean soup with noodles that will bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your table.

Necessary ingredients

- 400 g of beans (preferably white or red, depending on your preference)
- 500 ml of borscht (or to taste)
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 onions
- 3 tablespoons of homemade vegetable mix (or frozen vegetable mix)
- 100 g of noodles
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of tomato juice (or pureed fresh tomatoes)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the beans
Start by soaking the beans in cold water. It’s ideal to leave them overnight, but if you’re short on time, you can leave them for at least 3 hours. This step helps reduce cooking time and eliminates substances that can cause digestive discomfort.

Step 2: Boiling the beans
Once the beans have soaked, drain the water and rinse the beans well. Place them in a large pot with fresh water and bring them to a boil. At the first boil, discard the water and rinse the beans again. This step is essential for achieving a more digestible soup.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
After the beans have boiled, add the diced onion and also the diced carrot. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to your soup. After adding the vegetables, also add the 3 tablespoons of homemade vegetable mix (or the frozen mix).

Step 4: Seasoning
Over the boiled vegetables, add the olive oil, tomato juice, borscht, and thyme. Mix well, then add salt to taste. The borscht will add a pleasant acidity to the dish, while the thyme will provide a specific, very appetizing aroma.

Step 5: Adding the noodles
When the soup starts boiling again, add the noodles. This is when the soup becomes truly filling. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente.

Step 6: Finalizing the soup
When the soup is ready, turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley. This will add freshness and color to your dish. Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving
Serve the bean soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A drizzle of pickled hot peppers or a spoonful of sour cream can be added for extra flavor. This soup is perfect as an appetizer or as a main course and pairs wonderfully with a summer salad or fruit compote.

Practical tips
- Types of beans: You can experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a more interesting variation.
- Homemade vegetable mix: If you don’t have a homemade vegetable mix, you can opt for frozen vegetable mixes, but it’s preferable to use fresh ingredients for a more intense flavor.
- Spicier soup: If you like spicy flavors, add a bit of fresh or dried hot pepper during the soup preparation.
- Vegan version: This soup is already vegan, but you can add tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost.

Nutritional information
Bean soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. A serving of bean soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Beans are rich in iron, zinc, and antioxidants, while carrots and onions provide a significant amount of vitamins A and C.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned beans?
- Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use. You will reduce the cooking time, but the soup will have a different texture.

2. How can I store bean soup?
- You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I recommend reheating it on the stovetop to restore its flavor.

3. Can I freeze bean soup?
- Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Enjoy this bean soup with noodles recipe that will not only delight your taste but also bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your table. Bon appétit!