Bean soup

Bean Soup with Green Onion and Fresh Dill

I propose a recipe for bean soup that blends tradition with the flavors of spring. This soup stands out with its rich aroma and delicious textures, making it a perfect dish for cool days. Although it is a simple recipe, each step is important to achieve a tasty and comforting soup. I invite you to discover this recipe step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 400 g of beans (ideally soak the beans overnight)
- 3 bunches of green onions (for an extra freshness)
- 3 carrots (for sweetness and color)
- 1 parsley root (subtle flavor)
- 1 parsnip (for a complex taste)
- 1/2 celery (a slightly sweet aroma)
- 4 tomatoes (fresh and tasty, you can substitute with canned tomatoes)
- 2 bunches of dill (fresh, for a vibrant taste)
- 1 L of bors (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 300 g of smoked ribs (for an intense flavor)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by placing the beans in cold water, letting them soak overnight. This step not only helps the beans soften but also reduces the cooking time.

2. Boiling the beans: In the morning, drain the beans and place them in a pressure cooker along with the smoked ribs. Cover with water and let boil for about an hour. When done, the beans should be soft, and the smoke will add a special aroma.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, peel and chop the vegetables. The green onions, carrots, parsley, parsnip, and celery are essential for adding depth to the flavor of the soup.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté the chopped vegetables for 2-3 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors. Add a little water and let the vegetables simmer until soft.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the beans are boiled, add them to the pot with the vegetables, along with the liquid they boiled in. Remove the smoked ribs and cut them into smaller pieces, which you will add back into the soup.

6. Adding the tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes finely and add them to the pot with the soup. They will add a note of acidity and sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

7. Boiling the soup: Boil the bors separately, then add it to the pot with the beans and vegetables. Adjust the amount of bors to your liking; I used 800 ml, but you can add more for a tangier taste. Let it boil for 10 minutes.

8. Finalizing the dish: Finally, add the finely chopped dill, give it a final boil, and the dish is ready! Fresh dill will add an irresistible aroma.

Serving:
The bean soup is delicious served with cold polenta and fresh green onions. The polenta adds a complementary texture, while the green onions provide a fresh contrast.

Practical Tips:
- If you want a spicier soup, you can add a finely chopped hot pepper during the sautéing of the vegetables.
- For a vegetarian soup, you can omit the smoked meat and add smoked spices to retain the flavor.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and can also be frozen, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of bean soup has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of smoked meat used. This soup is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, contributing to a healthy diet. Beans are an excellent source of iron and antioxidants, while the vegetables provide essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned beans? - Yes, but the soup will have a different taste. Make sure to rinse them well before use.
2. What other vegetables can I add? - You can experiment with bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for a more varied soup.
3. How can I make the soup more sour? - You can add vinegar or lemon juice according to your preferences, but the soup should naturally provide acidity.

This bean soup is not just a comforting meal, but also a culinary story full of tradition and flavor. Enjoy your meal!