Bean and Macaroni Soup

Bean and Macaroni Soup Recipe - Vegan Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Bean and Macaroni Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of beans and pasta with a medley of vegetables and herbs. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and filling. It's a versatile soup that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in many households.

History

The origins of Bean and Macaroni Soup can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where pasta and beans are staple ingredients. Over the years, this dish has evolved and been embraced by various cultures around the world, each adding their unique twist to the recipe. It's a testament to the soup's versatility and enduring popularity.

Ingredients

2 cans (16 oz / 454 g each) of great northern beans
1 tbsp of olive oil
0.5 lb (227 g) of fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup of coarsely chopped onion
2 cups of sliced carrots
1 cup of coarsely chopped celery
1 clove of minced garlic
3 cups of fresh tomatoes, peeled and cut up (or 1.5 lb / 680 g of canned whole tomatoes, cut up)
1 tsp of dried sage
1 tsp of dried thyme
0.5 tsp of dried oregano
freshly ground black pepper
1 crumbled bay leaf
4 cups of cooked elbow macaroni

How to prepare

Drain the beans and reserve the liquid. Rinse the beans.
Heat the oil in a 6 qt (5.68 liter) kettle. Add the mushrooms, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, sage, thyme, oregano, pepper, and bay leaf. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the package, using unsalted water. Drain when cooked. Do not overcook.
Combine the reserved bean liquid with water to make 4 cups.
Add the liquid, beans, and cooked macaroni to the vegetable mixture.
Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the soup is thoroughly heated. Stir occasionally.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding different types of beans or pasta shapes. You can also incorporate other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition. For a non-vegetarian version, consider adding diced chicken or sausage.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider sautéing the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized. This adds depth to the overall taste. Additionally, using fresh herbs instead of dried ones can brighten the flavors. If the soup is too thick for your liking, adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost. A side of crusty bread makes the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the soup.

Cooking Techniques

This soup benefits from slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Consider making it in a slow cooker for convenience. Alternatively, simmering it on the stove top on low heat can achieve a similar effect.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this soup gluten-free, substitute the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta option. For a lower-carb version, you can replace the pasta with chopped zucchini or cauliflower florets.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in a deep, wide bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients. A garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil can add a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a light, crisp salad for a balanced meal. A glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Bean and Macaroni Soup contains approximately 200-300 calories, making it a light yet filling option for a meal. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

This Bean and Macaroni Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the beans and pasta. A serving of this soup provides a healthy dose of energy-giving carbs, making it an excellent choice for fueling your body.

Fats

The soup is low in fats, with the only source being the olive oil used for sautéing the vegetables. Olive oil is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this dish not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.

Proteins

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this soup a great option for vegetarians and vegans. The protein content helps in muscle repair and growth, making this dish both nourishing and satisfying.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used. Carrots, celery, and tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergens to be aware of in this recipe are gluten (from the pasta) and potential allergens in canned beans, depending on the processing facility. Always check labels if you have specific food allergies.

Summary

Overall, Bean and Macaroni Soup is a nutritious, balanced meal that provides carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle health, and a variety of vitamins and minerals for overall well-being. It's low in fats and calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Bean and Macaroni Soup is a timeless dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and nutritious meal. Whether you're looking for comfort food on a cold day or a healthy option for meal prep, this soup is sure to satisfy. With its versatile recipe, it's easy to adapt to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences, making it a beloved choice for many.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Bean and Macaroni Soup. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my grandmother. As I turned the pages, a handwritten note fell out, and I couldn't believe my eyes as I read the words scrawled on the paper.

The note was written by my great-grandmother, and it detailed a recipe for Bean and Macaroni Soup that had been handed down in our family for generations. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself and see if it lived up to the hype.

I gathered all the ingredients listed in the recipe and got to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and simmered the beans, I could almost feel the presence of my ancestors guiding me through the process. I followed the instructions carefully, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, just as my great-grandmother had written.

After a few hours of cooking, the soup was ready, and I ladled myself a steaming bowl to taste. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that this recipe was something special. The combination of hearty beans and tender macaroni was a match made in culinary heaven.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, so I hosted a soup night at my house. As everyone gathered around the table, I proudly served up my Bean and Macaroni Soup, watching as their faces lit up with delight after the first spoonful.

One by one, they all asked for the recipe, and I happily obliged, knowing that this dish would become a staple in their own kitchens. As the evening came to an end, I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully carried on a tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I continued to make Bean and Macaroni Soup for my loved ones, tweaking the recipe here and there to make it my own. I added a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of creamy yogurt, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques.

As I grew older, I realized that cooking was more than just a way to nourish my body – it was a way to connect with my past and honor the memories of those who came before me. Each time I made Bean and Macaroni Soup, I felt a sense of closeness to my ancestors, as if they were right there beside me in the kitchen.

And so, this recipe has become more than just a dish – it is a link to the past, a reminder of where I come from and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and I will continue to make it with love and gratitude for all the generations that have come before me.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe for Bean and Macaroni Soup, I can't help but smile. It has brought me so much joy and comfort over the years, and I am grateful for the legacy that it represents.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a warm and hearty meal to nourish your body and soul, look no further than this recipe for Bean and Macaroni Soup. I promise you won't be disappointed – just like me, you'll be hooked from the very first bite. Enjoy!