Bean soup (yellow beans)

Green Bean Soup – Savory Delight for Chilly Days

Green bean soup is a traditional Romanian dish, perfect for the cool autumn days or for moments when we want to indulge in a familiar and comforting taste. This soup, made from yellow beans, enjoys a harmonious combination of vegetables and spices that give it an unmistakable aroma. Very easy to prepare, green bean soup is a recipe that can quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 4 potatoes
- 1000 g yellow beans (blanched and frozen)
- Iodized salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of dill (optional)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Water (enough for boiling)

Nutritional Information
Green bean soup is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Yellow beans are a good source of plant-based protein, while carrots and potatoes add complex carbohydrates necessary for energy.

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Onion: Start by peeling the yellow onion. Place the whole onion in a pot with water (about 2 liters) and add a teaspoon of salt. This will give a more intense flavor to the soup. Let the onion boil over medium heat.

2. Preparing the Vegetables: Peel the carrots and potatoes. Cut the carrots into thin rounds and the potatoes into cubes of about 1-2 cm. These vegetables will add consistency and flavor to the soup.

3. Boiling the Vegetables: After the water with the onion has started to boil, add the carrots and potatoes. Let everything boil over moderate heat for about 10 minutes.

4. Adding the Beans: Once the vegetables have started to soften, add the yellow beans. If you are using frozen beans, there is no need to thaw them beforehand. Season with salt to taste and add the lovage (you can leave a few leaves for garnish). Continue to boil the mixture for 20 minutes.

5. Preparing the Roux: In a small bowl, mix the flour with sweet paprika. Gradually add cold water or milk (about 200 ml) until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This mixture will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.

6. Incorporating the Roux: After 20 minutes, add the flour mixture to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the soup boil for another 5 minutes, so the ingredients combine well.

7. Finalizing the Dish: Once the soup has boiled, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh dill (if using) and stir gently to distribute the flavors. You can let the soup rest for a few minutes to intensify the taste.

Serving
Green bean soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A drop of lemon juice or a tablespoon of sour cream can add a touch of freshness. Additionally, a freshly chopped hot pepper can provide an interesting contrast of flavors.

Variations and Tips
- Vary the Ingredients: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the soup.
- Add Proteins: If you want to turn the soup into a heartier meal, you can add a few cubes of chicken or smoked meat, cooking them together with the vegetables.
- Smoked Soup Variation: A delicious variant is adding a few cubes of smoked sausages for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh beans instead of frozen? Yes, fresh beans can be used. Make sure to blanch them before adding them to the soup.
- How long can I keep the soup? Green bean soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can be reheated without problems.
- Is green bean soup suitable for vegans? Yes, this recipe is completely vegan, as long as you use water instead of milk for the roux.

Green bean soup is more than just a meal; it is a taste experience and a way to gather the family around the table. I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every spoonful!