Green bean soup

Green bean soup – a heartfelt recipe, full of freshness, that combines the delicious taste of vegetables with the tradition and comfort of a warm meal. This soup is not just a simple dish, but a story woven around fresh ingredients and flavors that remind us of moments spent with family.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 large jar of canned green beans or 1 kg of fresh green beans
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, finely grated
- 1 parsnip root, grated or diced
- 1 parsley root, grated or diced
- 1 small celery, grated or diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 kg of fresh tomatoes or 200 g of tomato paste
- Borscht (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (lovage, dill, parsley)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of curry
- Vegeta (to taste)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)

Step by step for a perfect green bean soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are fresh and well washed. If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and break the beans into pieces of about 2-3 cm. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the soup better.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The aroma of the sautéed onion will give a good start to your dish.

3. Adding the bell pepper and carrot: Add the diced bell pepper and grated carrot to the pot. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. The roots and zucchini: Now it's time to add the parsnip, parsley root, and celery. You can choose to grate them or dice them, depending on your preference. Then, add the diced zucchini. This will bring a note of freshness and a subtle taste to the soup.

5. Boiling the vegetables: Pour about 2 liters of boiling water over the sautéed vegetables. Let everything boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Tomato paste and beans: After the vegetables have boiled, add the tomato pulp (or tomato paste) and the green beans (canned or fresh, previously boiled). Mix well and let it boil together for another 10-15 minutes.

7. Seasoning: During the boiling, add sweet paprika, curry, and Vegeta to taste. It is important to taste the soup along the way to adjust the seasonings. Finally, add the borscht (preferably boiled beforehand) to give the soup a pleasant acidity.

8. Fresh herbs: Before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped herbs (lovage, dill, parsley). These will add extra flavor and color to your soup.

9. Serving: Green bean soup can be served hot or cold. Add a splash of sour cream or yogurt to enhance its flavor.

Serving suggestions: Alongside a slice of fresh bread or flavored croutons, the soup becomes a complete and comforting meal.

Tips and variations: If you want to try a spicier version, you can add a few slices of hot pepper. For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the vegetables before adding the herbs. Additionally, the soup can be enriched with a handful of peas or corn, adding a touch of sweetness.

Calories and nutritional benefits: This soup is an excellent choice for a healthy diet, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A serving of green bean soup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system and maintain digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are an excellent alternative and can be added directly to the soup without needing to thaw beforehand.

- What other vegetables can I add to the soup? You can experiment with vegetables like potatoes, celery, or even pumpkin for a sweeter flavor.

- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, green bean soup can be frozen without any problems, but it is recommended to add the fresh herbs before serving to preserve the flavor.

Green bean soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to bring family and friends together, to share moments of joy, and to savor the authentic taste of fresh vegetables. So take your time to enjoy every step of preparing this recipe and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy your meal!