Green Bean Soup: An Explosion of Flavors on Hot Days
Green bean soup is a perfect choice for hot summer days when we want to refresh ourselves with a light, tangy dish full of fresh vegetables. This recipe is not only simple but also very versatile, giving you the opportunity to explore a delicious combination of ingredients that brings a splash of freshness to your plate.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
The history of green bean soup is closely linked to summer culinary traditions when fresh vegetables are at hand. This soup has been prepared for generations, with each housewife adding her personal touch, either through the ingredients used or the cooking method. In the past, the soup was made with sautéed vegetables, but for a healthier and more easily digestible version, we will opt for boiling the vegetables.
Your ingredients for a delicious green bean soup:
- 500 g green beans (preferably yellow string beans)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 2 bell peppers (preferably in various colors)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon vegetable seasoning (or a mix of your favorite spices)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon white flour
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- A few sprigs of lovage
- Salt, to taste
Preparing the Green Bean Soup:
1. Preparing the green beans: Start by cleaning the green beans, cutting them into pieces about 3 cm long. Then, put water to boil in a separate pot. When the water starts to boil, add the green beans and let them blanch for 5-7 minutes. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crunchy texture. After blanching, drain the beans and set them aside.
2. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and finely chop the carrots, onion, celery, and bell peppers. The tomatoes can be diced after being immersed in hot water for a few seconds to make peeling easier.
3. Boiling the soup: In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Let the vegetables boil for 15 minutes until they become slightly tender.
4. Adding the beans: Now it’s time to add the drained green beans to the pot. Also add the tomato paste, vegetable seasoning, and salt to taste. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Thickening the soup: In a small bowl, dissolve the flour in a few tablespoons of cold water to prevent lumps. Add the flour mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. This step will add a pleasant texture and slightly thicken the soup.
6. Finishing the soup: Beat the egg in a bowl and, using a fork, pour it into the soup while stirring constantly. This step will create the “shreds” of egg, which are a delightful feature of the soup.
7. Adding the herbs: Finally, add the chopped parsley and lovage. These herbs not only enhance the soup's appearance but also bring a fresh and vibrant aroma.
8. Serving the soup: Green bean soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.
Nutritional benefits:
Green bean soup is a healthy option, rich in vitamins and minerals. Green beans contain fiber, which contributes to healthy digestion, while vegetables like carrots and celery are excellent sources of antioxidants. This recipe is low in calories, with approximately 120-150 calories per serving, depending on the oil used.
Possible variations:
- Green bean soup with meat: You can add cubes of chicken or pork for an extra protein boost.
- Spicy green bean soup: Add chili peppers or spices like paprika for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetarian soup: Offer a vegan version by omitting the egg and olive oil, using coconut oil instead.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are an excellent alternative and can be added directly to the soup without blanching.
2. How can I store the soup? Green bean soup keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
3. What other dishes pair well with green bean soup? A tomato salad with onion and feta cheese or a sweet cheese pie are excellent accompaniments.
This green bean soup is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy the flavors of summer. With each spoonful, you will feel the warmth of the sun and the freshness of seasonal vegetables. So, put on your cooking pants, gather your ingredients, and turn this recipe into a culinary masterpiece that the whole family will love!
Green bean soup is a perfect choice for hot summer days when we want to refresh ourselves with a light, tangy dish full of fresh vegetables. This recipe is not only simple but also very versatile, giving you the opportunity to explore a delicious combination of ingredients that brings a splash of freshness to your plate.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
The history of green bean soup is closely linked to summer culinary traditions when fresh vegetables are at hand. This soup has been prepared for generations, with each housewife adding her personal touch, either through the ingredients used or the cooking method. In the past, the soup was made with sautéed vegetables, but for a healthier and more easily digestible version, we will opt for boiling the vegetables.
Your ingredients for a delicious green bean soup:
- 500 g green beans (preferably yellow string beans)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 3 celery stalks
- 2 bell peppers (preferably in various colors)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon vegetable seasoning (or a mix of your favorite spices)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon white flour
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- A few sprigs of lovage
- Salt, to taste
Preparing the Green Bean Soup:
1. Preparing the green beans: Start by cleaning the green beans, cutting them into pieces about 3 cm long. Then, put water to boil in a separate pot. When the water starts to boil, add the green beans and let them blanch for 5-7 minutes. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crunchy texture. After blanching, drain the beans and set them aside.
2. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and finely chop the carrots, onion, celery, and bell peppers. The tomatoes can be diced after being immersed in hot water for a few seconds to make peeling easier.
3. Boiling the soup: In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Let the vegetables boil for 15 minutes until they become slightly tender.
4. Adding the beans: Now it’s time to add the drained green beans to the pot. Also add the tomato paste, vegetable seasoning, and salt to taste. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Thickening the soup: In a small bowl, dissolve the flour in a few tablespoons of cold water to prevent lumps. Add the flour mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. This step will add a pleasant texture and slightly thicken the soup.
6. Finishing the soup: Beat the egg in a bowl and, using a fork, pour it into the soup while stirring constantly. This step will create the “shreds” of egg, which are a delightful feature of the soup.
7. Adding the herbs: Finally, add the chopped parsley and lovage. These herbs not only enhance the soup's appearance but also bring a fresh and vibrant aroma.
8. Serving the soup: Green bean soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.
Nutritional benefits:
Green bean soup is a healthy option, rich in vitamins and minerals. Green beans contain fiber, which contributes to healthy digestion, while vegetables like carrots and celery are excellent sources of antioxidants. This recipe is low in calories, with approximately 120-150 calories per serving, depending on the oil used.
Possible variations:
- Green bean soup with meat: You can add cubes of chicken or pork for an extra protein boost.
- Spicy green bean soup: Add chili peppers or spices like paprika for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetarian soup: Offer a vegan version by omitting the egg and olive oil, using coconut oil instead.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are an excellent alternative and can be added directly to the soup without blanching.
2. How can I store the soup? Green bean soup keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
3. What other dishes pair well with green bean soup? A tomato salad with onion and feta cheese or a sweet cheese pie are excellent accompaniments.
This green bean soup is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to enjoy the flavors of summer. With each spoonful, you will feel the warmth of the sun and the freshness of seasonal vegetables. So, put on your cooking pants, gather your ingredients, and turn this recipe into a culinary masterpiece that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
1/2 kg of thin yellow green beans, 2 medium carrots, 1 onion, 3 celery stalks, 2 bell peppers, 2 tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of seasoning, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of white flour, a few sprigs of fresh parsley and some lovage.