Coconut Bean Soup

Tanzanian Coconut Bean Soup Recipe with Kidney Beans and Tomato

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coconut Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the creamy texture of coconut milk with the earthy flavors of kidney beans and curry powder. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Coconut Bean Soup is a popular dish in many Caribbean and African countries, where coconut milk is a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes. The combination of beans and coconut milk creates a rich and creamy soup that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

125 ml of chopped onion
3 tsp of melted margarine or butter
125 ml of chopped green pepper
1 tsp of curry powder
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of pepper
250 ml of chopped tomato
625 ml of canned kidney beans
500 ml of coconut milk
750 ml of water
125 ml of cooked rice

How to prepare

In a pan, sauté the onions in the butter.
Next, add the green peppers and season with curry powder, salt, and pepper.
After that, add the tomatoes and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Then, add kidney beans, coconut milk, and water to the mixture and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Finally, add the rice and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions and green peppers until they are soft and translucent before adding the other ingredients. This will help to develop the flavors of the soup.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your soup.

- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender before adding the rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Coconut Bean Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and green peppers before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavors of the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of beans in place of kidney beans, such as black beans or chickpeas.

- If you don't have coconut milk, you can use regular milk or cream as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Coconut Bean Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g

- Saturated Fat: 16g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 9g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Coconut Bean Soup is a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Coconut Bean Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve it with a side of rice or bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, known for her delicious dishes that always brought the family together around the dinner table.

One summer afternoon, as I sat in her cozy kitchen watching her cook, she suddenly pulled out a dusty old cookbook from a shelf. It was filled with handwritten notes and dog-eared pages, a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Coconut Bean Soup that caught her eye.

“This,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, “is a special recipe that I learned from a dear friend many years ago. It’s a family favorite, and I think it’s time for you to learn how to make it.”

I eagerly watched as she gathered the ingredients – coconut milk, beans, vegetables, and spices – and began to show me how to prepare the soup. She explained each step carefully, sharing stories of her friend who had taught her the recipe and the memories they had shared in the kitchen.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a fragrant aroma, my grandmother shared more stories of her culinary adventures. She told me about the time she had traveled to a remote village in the mountains and learned how to make a traditional bean soup from a wise old woman who had been cooking for decades. She spoke of the flavors and textures that had captivated her taste buds and inspired her to experiment with new ingredients and techniques in her own cooking.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring each moment spent with my grandmother in her kitchen. I could see the passion and love she poured into every dish she made, and I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and carry on the tradition of cooking delicious meals for my own family.

When the soup was finally ready, my grandmother ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh herbs and a drizzle of coconut milk. The first spoonful was a revelation – creamy and rich, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures that danced on my palate.

“This,” my grandmother said with pride, “is the magic of cooking. It’s not just about following a recipe, but about infusing each dish with love and care. That’s what makes it truly special.”

From that day on, Coconut Bean Soup became a staple in our family’s menu, a dish that brought us together and nourished our bodies and souls. I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from my grandmother and adding my own twist to old favorites.

Years passed, and my grandmother’s health began to decline. As she grew weaker, I took on more responsibility in the kitchen, cooking meals for her and the rest of the family with the same passion and dedication she had instilled in me.

One day, as I was preparing a pot of Coconut Bean Soup for her, my grandmother sat at the kitchen table watching me with a smile on her face. “You’ve learned well, my dear,” she said softly. “I’m proud of the cook you’ve become, and I know that you will carry on the tradition of good food and family love for generations to come.”

Her words touched my heart, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all that she had taught me. As I served her a steaming bowl of soup, I knew that the bond we shared through cooking would never be broken, even as she passed on to the next journey.

Now, whenever I make Coconut Bean Soup for my own family, I remember the lessons my grandmother taught me and the love she poured into every dish she made. I share her stories with my children, passing on the recipes and traditions that have been a part of our family for so long.

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time may bring a smile to my face, but it’s the memories of cooking with my grandmother and the love we shared in the kitchen that truly warm my heart. Cooking is more than just a skill – it’s a connection to the past, a bridge to the future, and a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. And for that, I am forever grateful.