Autumn Blend Soup

Autumn Blend Soup Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Autumn Blend Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for the cooler months. This recipe combines a variety of dried beans, lentils, and peas with rich spices and chicken broth, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Ideal for those looking to enjoy seasonal produce and warm, inviting flavors, this soup is both easy to make and satisfying.

History

The tradition of blending beans and lentils in soups dates back centuries, with variations found in many cultures around the world. This particular Autumn Blend Soup recipe draws inspiration from these historical dishes, incorporating a mix of beans and lentils that have been staples in diets for their nutritional value and availability. Over time, the addition of spices and broth has evolved to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a beloved recipe for the autumn season.

Ingredients

1 cup dried small red beans
0.5 cup dried lentils
0.25 cup dried white navy beans
0.25 cup split peas
8 cups chicken broth
0.33 cup instant minced onions
2 tsp crushed basil leaves
1 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp cumin powder
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.13 tsp ground ginger
1 bay leaf
0.67 cup uncooked rice
Sliced green onion tops for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Wash the beans and combine them with 6 cups of water in a Dutch oven.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes.
Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Drain the beans and return them to the saucepan.
Add the chicken broth and spices to the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
Add the rice to the saucepan and continue simmering for an additional 45 minutes if using brown rice, 25 minutes if using parboiled rice, or 20 minutes if using regular-milled rice, or until the beans and rice are tender.
Adjust the seasonings to taste.
If desired, garnish each serving with sliced green onion tops.

Variations

To customize the Autumn Blend Soup to your taste, consider adding diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, or sweet potatoes during the simmering process. For a non-vegetarian twist, chunks of cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage can be added. To make the soup vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Autumn Blend Soup, consider soaking the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility. Additionally, adding the spices early in the cooking process allows their flavors to meld beautifully with the beans and lentils. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before serving. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving to ensure a perfectly balanced dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Autumn Blend Soup hot, garnished with sliced green onion tops for a fresh, flavorful finish. Pairing this soup with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread makes for a complete and satisfying meal. For an extra touch of richness, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can be added just before serving.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a flavorful Autumn Blend Soup lies in the slow simmering process, which allows the ingredients to soften and the flavors to develop fully. Using a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and prevents the beans from sticking to the bottom. Stirring occasionally during the simmering process helps to achieve a consistent texture throughout the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're missing some of the beans or lentils listed in the recipe, feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand. Chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans make great alternatives. Similarly, quinoa can be used in place of rice for a different texture and an extra protein boost.

Make Ahead Tips

The Autumn Blend Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal, as the flavors continue to meld and improve with time. Prepare the soup up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

To elevate the presentation of your Autumn Blend Soup, serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash for a festive autumn touch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, adds color and freshness to the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the Autumn Blend Soup. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider complements the autumnal theme of the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Autumn Blend Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Autumn Blend Soup contains approximately 250 calories, making it a nourishing and low-calorie option for a meal or hearty snack. Its balanced macronutrient profile also makes it suitable for those managing their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This Autumn Blend Soup is a great source of complex carbohydrates, primarily from the beans, lentils, and rice. A serving of this soup provides approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the day. The fiber content in the beans and lentils also aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels.

Fats

The soup is low in fat, with most of the minimal fat content coming naturally from the beans and lentils. The total fat content per serving is around 1 gram, making this dish an excellent option for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

Protein is abundant in this soup, thanks to the combination of red beans, lentils, navy beans, and split peas. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth. This makes the Autumn Blend Soup a fantastic meal choice for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake through plant-based sources.

Vitamins and minerals

The ingredients in Autumn Blend Soup are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for energy production, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and supporting overall health. The variety of beans and lentils ensures a wide range of these beneficial nutrients in every bowl.

Alergens

This recipe is naturally free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten (assuming gluten-free broth is used). However, those with specific food sensitivities should always check the labels of purchased ingredients to ensure they meet their dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, the Autumn Blend Soup is a nutrient-dense meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, with a low fat and calorie content. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy, comforting, and satisfying dish.

Summary

The Autumn Blend Soup is a versatile, nutritious, and comforting dish perfect for the cooler months. With its rich blend of beans, lentils, and spices, it offers a satisfying meal that is both healthy and delicious. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner option or a nutritious meal prep solution, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were changing colors and falling from the trees, and there was a chill in the air that made me crave a warm, comforting meal.

I had been going through an old recipe box that belonged to my mother, looking for inspiration for dinner. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and faded clippings, I came across a handwritten recipe for "Autumn Blend Soup." The ingredients listed were a mix of seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots, along with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme. It sounded like the perfect dish to warm me up on a cool fall evening.

I had never made this soup before, but I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and the promise of a hearty, satisfying meal. I decided to give it a try, gathering the ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen.

As I chopped and diced the vegetables, the kitchen filled with the earthy aroma of autumn. The colors of the ingredients were vibrant and rich, reminding me of the changing leaves outside. I could feel the warmth of the stove as the soup simmered on the burner, the steam rising and fogging up the windows.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first spoonful was a revelation - the flavors were incredible, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice from the herbs. It was like tasting fall in a bowl.

I shared the soup with my family that evening, and they all raved about it. My husband said it was the best soup he had ever tasted, and my children asked for seconds and thirds. I felt proud and satisfied, knowing that I had discovered a new favorite recipe that would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made Autumn Blend Soup many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste and experimenting with different variations. I have added a splash of cream for richness, a dash of cinnamon for warmth, and even a handful of wild mushrooms for depth of flavor.

I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all been delighted by its deliciousness. They have asked for the recipe, and I have gladly passed it on, knowing that it will bring them as much joy and comfort as it has brought me.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Autumn Blend Soup on the stove, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing good food with the people I love. This recipe may have come from a dusty old recipe box, but it has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a symbol of the changing seasons and the warmth of home. And for that, I am truly thankful.