Burundian Bean Soup

Burundian Bean Soup Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious Soup from Burundi

Region / culture: Burundi | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 2.5 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Burundian Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in Burundi, a small country in East Africa. This soup is made with a variety of beans, vegetables, and seasonings, creating a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Bean soup has been a staple in Burundian cuisine for centuries. Beans are a common ingredient in Burundi, as they are a good source of protein and are readily available. This soup is often served as a main dish, accompanied by bread or rice.

Ingredients

1 cup dried lima beans
1 cup dried white beans
1 cup dried pink or red beans
8 cups water
0.25 cup vegetable broth
2 cups onions, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped (1 large)
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
4 stalks celery, chopped
0.25 cup parsley, chopped
1.25 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dry)
0.67 tsp ground cumin
1.75 tsp salt
0.67 cup raw Virginia peanuts, ground to meal

How to prepare

Combine beans and water in a pot and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Cover the pot and remove from heat.
Let the beans soak for 1 or 2 hours.
Drain off the water and add 8 cups of fresh water. Return the pot to a boil and cook over low heat for 1 hour. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker for a quicker method.
While the beans are cooking, heat the broth in a non-stick skillet and add the onion and pepper.
Sauté the onion and pepper until they are soft but not brown, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add the celery and parsley to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Add the sautéed vegetables to the beans, along with the seasonings.
Continue to cook the mixture, covered, until the beans are very tender, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
When the beans are almost cooked, stir in the ground peanuts and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
The dish can be frozen for later use.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
Use different types of beans for variety.
Add coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans before cooking can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

- Adding ground peanuts to the soup adds a rich and nutty flavor.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Burundian Bean Soup can be served with crusty bread or rice on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans before cooking.

- Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned beans instead of dried beans for a quicker cooking time.

- Use almond meal instead of ground peanuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Burundian Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Burundian Bean Soup with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Burundian Bean Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Burundian Bean Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Burundian Bean Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Burundian Bean Soup contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Burundian Bean Soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Burundian Bean Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Summary

Burundian Bean Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful soup with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Burundi. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.

As we worked together, she began to tell me the story of how she had learned to make Burundian Bean Soup from her own grandmother many years before. She explained that the soup was a traditional dish in Burundi, made with simple ingredients that were readily available in our village.

The key to the soup, she said, was the combination of beans, tomatoes, onions, and a special blend of spices that gave it its unique flavor. She showed me how to cook the beans until they were tender, and then added the tomatoes and onions to create a rich, savory broth. Finally, she sprinkled in the spices, which filled the kitchen with a warm, fragrant aroma.

As we sat down to eat the soup together, I was amazed by how delicious it was. The flavors were so bold and comforting, and I could see why it was such a beloved dish in our family. From that day on, I knew that I wanted to learn how to make Burundian Bean Soup just like my grandmother.

Over the years, I honed my cooking skills and experimented with different variations of the recipe. I learned how to adjust the spices to suit my own tastes, and discovered new ways to enhance the flavors of the soup. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had passed down this recipe through the years.

One day, as I was preparing the soup for a family gathering, my youngest granddaughter came into the kitchen and asked me what I was making. I smiled and told her about the history of the recipe, and how it had been a part of our family for generations. She was fascinated by the story and wanted to learn how to make the soup herself.

I was thrilled to pass on the tradition to her, just as my grandmother had done for me so many years ago. Together, we cooked the beans, tomatoes, and onions, and sprinkled in the spices that gave the soup its unique flavor. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its delicious aroma, I knew that my granddaughter would carry on the legacy of Burundian Bean Soup for generations to come.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of that day, I am filled with joy and gratitude for the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. The recipe for Burundian Bean Soup may be simple, but it holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the love and tradition that have shaped my life. I will continue to make this soup for my family, sharing the stories and flavors of my grandmother's kitchen with each delicious bowl.