Green String Bean Soup
Green String Bean Soup Recipe from Germany
Introduction
Green string bean soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of the year. This hearty soup is made with fresh string beans, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.
History
Green string bean soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where string beans are a common vegetable in traditional cuisine. This soup was often made as a way to use up leftover vegetables and meat, creating a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a pot, place lard, onion, and flour. Sauté the mixture and then add red pepper, water, and chicken. Cook until done.
- Separately, cook cut up green beans, garlic, and onion in 4 oz (113 g) of water for half an hour. Then, add them to the chicken pot and continue cooking for 45 minutes or more.
- Lastly, add parsley and dill to the pot.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version of this soup, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the soup for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cut the string beans into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the soup.
- Sautéing the onions before adding them to the soup will help to enhance their flavor and add depth to the dish.
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water in the recipe.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier soup or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Green string bean soup can be served as a main dish with crusty bread on the side. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of rice.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through to ensure food safety.
- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, savory taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use olive oil or butter instead of lard in this recipe.
- If you don't have fresh string beans, you can use frozen or canned beans instead.
Make Ahead Tips
Green string bean soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve green string bean soup in a bowl garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or dill. You can also drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top for an elegant touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Green string bean soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving the soup with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover green string bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of green string bean soup contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of green string bean soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of green string bean soup contains approximately 8 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of green string bean soup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Green string bean soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to thicken the soup. It also contains chicken, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
Summary
Green string bean soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Green string bean soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a bowl of green string bean soup today for a satisfying and delicious meal.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Green String Bean Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage nestled in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.
On that particular day, Martha invited me into her kitchen, where a pot of simmering soup filled the air with a tantalizing aroma. She handed me a spoonful of the steaming broth and urged me to take a taste. The flavor was unlike anything I had ever experienced - a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of freshness that could only come from the green string beans that floated in the broth.
I begged Martha for the recipe, eager to replicate the delicious soup in my own kitchen. She smiled mischievously and told me that the recipe was a closely guarded family secret, passed down through generations. But she could see the eager look in my eyes, and she relented, agreeing to teach me how to make the soup from scratch.
We spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, simmering the broth, and adding the green string beans at just the right moment. Martha shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl. She spoke of the love and care that went into each step of the process, the way the soup seemed to nourish not just the body, but the soul as well.
As the soup bubbled away on the stove, Martha handed me a bowl and a spoon, eager for me to taste the fruits of our labor. The first spoonful brought tears to my eyes - it was perfection in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire.
Over the years, I have made Green String Bean Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who always ask for seconds and thirds. Each time I make the soup, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen with Martha, where I first learned the secret to its deliciousness.
I have made the soup for special occasions and quiet nights at home, for celebrations and for solace. It has become a comfort food for me, a reminder of the love and care that went into creating it. And every time I take that first spoonful, I am reminded of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our spirits as well.
As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Green String Bean Soup on my own stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. Martha may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every batch of soup I make. And as I take that first, delicious spoonful, I know that I am honoring her legacy in the best way I know how - by sharing the gift of good food with those I love.
Categories
| Chicken Recipes | German Recipes | German Soups | Green Bean Recipes |