Bean soup with cornelian cherries

Green bean soup with sour plums: A savory and comforting recipe, perfect for cool days

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Green bean soup with sour plums is a traditional recipe, full of flavors and textures, combining the fresh taste of vegetables with the tart sweetness of sour plums. This soup will not only warm your soul but also bring a touch of freshness to your table. Moreover, it is a simple soup recipe that can be adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand.

The history of green bean soups is rich, with deep roots in culinary traditions, appreciated for their nutritional benefits and for being very filling. These soups were often prepared in households, serving as a source of essential proteins and vitamins.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg green beans
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery root (or half of a large one)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 handful of sour plums (or the juice of 1 lemon, if sour plums are unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 100 g sour cream
- 1 small bunch of parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation of green bean soup with sour plums:

1. Preparing the ingredients: The first step is to prepare all your ingredients. Clean the green beans by removing the ends and strings, then break them into two or smaller pieces. Grate the carrots. Chop the onion and bell pepper. These vegetables will add wonderful flavor to your soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add the two tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden. Then, add the grated carrot and chopped bell pepper. A few minutes later, when the bell pepper softens, add the diced tomatoes. This mixture of vegetables will bring an intense flavor and special taste to your soup.

3. Boiling the beans: In a large pot, place the green beans along with the diced celery. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and let them boil over medium heat. At the same time, boil the sour plums in another pot. These will add a tart and vibrant note to the soup.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the beans start to soften, add the sautéed vegetable mixture from the pan, along with the sour juice from the plums. This combination will turn your soup into a delicacy! Let everything boil together for a few minutes.

5. Adding the sour cream: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, take a few tablespoons of the hot soup and mix them in a bowl with the sour cream. Then, add the sour cream mixture to the pot, stirring gently. This step will ensure a creamy consistency and a velvety taste.

6. Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the chopped parsley. Let it boil for another two minutes for the flavors to meld.

7. Serving: The soup is ready! You can serve it hot, accompanied by a slice of fresh bread. If you want to impress, add a spoonful of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of parsley for an attractive appearance.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have sour plums, you can use lemon juice, but sour plums provide a unique flavor, so I recommend using them if you have the chance.
- The soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, offering a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.
- For a spicier version, you can add chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.

Nutritional benefits:
Green bean soup is rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Green beans contain antioxidants that help maintain heart health and support the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen beans? Yes, frozen beans are an excellent option and can be added directly to the soup.
- How can I store the soup? You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Carrots and celery can be replaced with zucchini or potatoes, depending on your preferences.

Green bean soup with sour plums is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that will remind you of family meals, the comfort of home, and the joy of sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!