Bean soup with cabbage juice

Bean soup with cabbage juice - A traditional recipe full of flavor

Bean soup with cabbage juice is a dish that reminds us of the bountiful meals of our childhood, when the aroma of smoked meat and fresh vegetables brought us all together at the table. It is a comforting dish, perfect for cool days, but also for those moments when we want to indulge in a hearty and healthy meal.

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

Ingredients

- 500 g white beans (preferably soaked)
- 1 large onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 glass (approximately 250 ml) of tomato juice
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 200 g smoked sausages (preferably with paprika)
- 1 liter of cabbage juice
- Oil (for frying)
- 1 bay leaf
- Oregano to taste
- Salt to taste

Preparing the beans

1. Start with the beans: The night before, rinse the beans in cold water and soak them in warm water. This is an essential step to reduce cooking time and achieve a tender texture. The beans will absorb water and become much easier to cook.

2. Boiling the beans: The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes, then change the water to remove any impurities. Add warm water again (approximately 2 liters) and let the beans boil over medium heat until soft (about 40 minutes).

Preparing the vegetables

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the beans are boiling, chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot into small cubes. These vegetables will give a wonderful flavor to the soup and add a splash of color.

4. Frying the sausages: Cut the sausages into slices and heat a pan with a little oil. Fry the sausages until golden, then remove them and set aside.

5. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pan, add a little oil if needed and sauté the garlic for a few seconds until it releases its aroma. Then add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot, sautéing everything over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent.

6. Adding the tomato juice: Pour the tomato juice over the vegetables and let it simmer for 5 minutes so that the flavors combine.

Combining the ingredients

7. Combining the preparations: Pour the vegetable and sausage mixture over the boiled beans. Add the bay leaf and mix well.

8. Adding the cabbage juice: Pour the cabbage juice and let it simmer together for 10-15 minutes. Check the taste and add salt, being careful not to overdo it, as the cabbage juice is already salty.

9. Final seasoning: Finally, add oregano to taste, to enhance the rich flavor of the soup.

10. Resting the dish: Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time will allow the flavors to meld and become even more intense.

Serving

Bean soup is served hot, with a slice of homemade bread, freshly baked, to savor every bite. Additionally, a teaspoon of sour cream and a little freshly chopped parsley can turn this dish into a true delicacy.

Useful tip

To achieve an even richer soup, you can add some pieces of smoked meat (such as bacon or bone) during the boiling of the beans. This will contribute to a deeper and more complex flavor.

Variations

There are many variations of this recipe that can be tried. You can replace the sausages with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Also, if you want an explosion of flavors, add spices such as cumin or smoked paprika.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
- How long can I keep the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the taste gets even better the next day!
- What drinks pair well with bean soup? A bean soup pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a blonde beer that complements the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight. This soup is also low in calories and rich in nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

Enjoy this bean soup with cabbage juice, full of tradition and flavor, and let yourself be carried away on a culinary journey that will bring a smile to your face!