Bean Soup

Bean soup: a traditional recipe full of flavor

Bean soup is a classic dish, full of warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly days or for those who want to enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal. It is a dish that brings together simple ingredients, but with a special taste, and is often associated with moments of conviviality around the table. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients, so that you can achieve a delicious bean soup worthy of appreciation.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 150-200 grams of beans (preferably white)
- 2 medium onions (about 150 g)
- 1 carrot (about 70 g)
- 1/4 celery root (about 30 g)
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color, for extra flavor)
- 1-2 tomatoes (fresh, peeled)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh lovage leaves (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vegeta (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Lemon juice (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the beans:
Start by cleaning the beans of impurities. Place the beans in cold water and let them soak overnight. This step is essential, as it helps to reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.

2. Boiling the beans:
The next day, rinse the beans in several waters to remove any remaining impurities. Place the beans in a large pot, add cold water, and add a whole onion, which will provide a subtle flavor to the soup. Season with about 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, for 45 minutes or until the beans are soft but not mushy.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
Meanwhile, chop the other onion into small cubes. Grate the carrot and celery on a large grater. In a frying pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until they become slightly golden and fragrant. This process will intensify the flavors and give the soup a special taste.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Add the sautéed vegetables over the boiled beans. Cook everything together until the vegetables are well cooked, about 10-15 minutes. At this stage, add the sliced bell pepper and the peeled, diced tomatoes.

5. Seasoning:
At this point, add the thyme, chopped lovage leaves, and vegeta (if using). Let the soup simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here you can adjust the salt according to your taste.

6. Finalizing the soup:
When all the ingredients are well cooked, turn off the heat and add lemon juice to taste. This will add a touch of freshness to the soup, balancing the rich flavors.

Serving:
Bean soup can be served plain or with a spoonful of sour cream on top for added creaminess. It is perfect alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A creative idea would be to garnish the plate with a few fresh lovage leaves for an attractive look.

Useful tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use canned beans, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or potatoes, adding them during the boiling process.
- This soup is ideal for preparing in large quantities, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.

Nutritional benefits:
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight. This soup is low in calories, making it ideal for those looking for a light yet nourishing meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I adapt the recipe to be vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add chicken or sausage for a heartier version.
- How can I store the soup? Bean soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later consumption, but it is recommended to eat it within 3 months.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to grab the ingredients and enjoy delicious flavors! Bean soup is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that will bring you a sense of conviviality and warmth. Enjoy your meal!