Bean soup (II)

Bean soup is one of those traditional recipes that brings warm memories and moments of conviviality around the table. It is an excellent choice for both cool days and for enjoying a healthy and flavorful dish. This bean soup recipe is simple, delicious, and can quickly become a family favorite. Additionally, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the flavors to your personal taste. Let's get started!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 500 g of beans (preferably white or red beans)
- 2 white onions
- 1 green onion
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 large carrots
- 2 peeled tomatoes
- 1 l of borscht
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of orache
- 2-3 leaves of fresh chard
- Salt or Delikat, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsnip

The story behind the recipe
Bean soup has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a beloved dish in many cultures. This recipe is not only an excellent source of plant-based protein but also a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones. Beans are known for their nutritional properties, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this soup a healthy and filling choice.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans well under a stream of cold water. It is ideal to soak them in cold water the night before, but if you're short on time, you can proceed directly to boiling. Place the beans in a large pot, add water, and let them boil. After about 20 minutes of boiling, drain the water and replace it with fresh hot water. This step helps reduce cooking time and improves the digestibility of the beans.

2. Preparing the vegetables: In the meantime, peel and wash all the vegetables. The onion, carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini should be cut into small cubes. The peeled tomatoes can be chopped finely. Don't forget to set aside the green onion, which you will add later to preserve its fresh aroma.

3. Adding the vegetables: When the beans are halfway cooked, add the chopped vegetables (white onion, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, celery, and parsnip) to the pot with the beans. Stir well to combine the flavors.

4. Adding the spices: After the vegetables have softened a bit, add the tomato paste, thyme, and salt or Delikat, to taste. Let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked but still crunchy.

5. The borscht and final flavors: When everything is almost ready, add the borscht and let the soup come to a boil. This is the moment when you can also add the green onion to intensify the flavor. Let the soup boil for another 5 minutes.

6. Finalizing the dish: Turn off the heat and add the chopped lovage, parsley, orache, and chard. These herbs will add a touch of freshness and color to your soup.

7. Serving: The bean soup is served hot, with a drizzle of olive oil on top and, for an extra flavor boost, you can also add a few sprigs of fresh tarragon. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Useful tips
- Beans: Select fresh beans, free of spots or impurities. If you want to save time, you can use canned beans, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as potatoes or pumpkin, or you can add some pieces of homemade sausage for extra flavor.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of bean soup contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the added ingredients. It is an excellent source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- How long can I keep bean soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze bean soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the borscht before freezing. Add it only before serving.
- What can be served alongside bean soup? A fresh green salad or a stuffed bell pepper with rice are excellent accompaniments. Additionally, a dry white wine could perfectly complement the meal.

I hope this bean soup recipe quickly becomes a favorite in your home! Enjoy your meal!