Mixed Bean and Apple Soup

Mixed Bean and Apple Soup Recipe from Malta

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Mixed Bean and Apple Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the earthiness of beans and bacon. It's a perfect meal for a chilly day and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional bean soup recipes that have been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of apples adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among those who love comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients

8 rashers of rindless streaky bacon
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
4 coxes apples, cored and sliced
1 can (420 g) of butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (420 g) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (420 g) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
570 ml (1 pt) of stock
280 ml (0.5 pt) of dry cider
salt and pepper
A handful of oregano or marjoram sprigs, to garnish

How to prepare

Place the unchopped bacon in a large pan and cook over medium heat for five minutes until it becomes crispy.
Add the oil, onion, and garlic to the pan and cook gently for another five minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the apples become tender.
Season the mixture and stir in the oregano or marjoram sprigs. Serve with warm, crusty bread.

Variations

Add some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Use different types of beans for a unique flavor profile.
Add some diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the soup.

- Use a good quality stock for the best flavor.

- Don't overcook the apples, as you want them to retain some of their texture in the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with warm, crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy for the best flavor.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pears instead of apples for a different flavor.

- Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. It also freezes well for future meals.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh marjoram or oregano for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This 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 gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this soup contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

This soup is a great source of carbohydrates, with the beans and apples providing a good amount of energy to keep you going throughout the day.

Fats

The bacon in this soup adds a delicious richness and flavor, but also adds some fat to the dish. Be sure to enjoy this soup in moderation if you are watching your fat intake.

Proteins

Beans are a great source of protein, making this soup a filling and satisfying meal. The bacon also adds some protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the apples, beans, and other ingredients. It's a great way to get a dose of nutrients in a delicious and comforting meal.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Mixed Bean and Apple Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Summary

This Mixed Bean and Apple Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Mixed Bean and Apple Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, and I found myself browsing through a quaint little cookbook store in the heart of the city. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe that caught my attention - a unique combination of beans and apples in a hearty soup. Intrigued, I purchased the cookbook and couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.

I had always been fond of experimenting with different flavors and ingredients in my cooking. Over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people - from my mother's handwritten notes to cookbooks from far-off lands. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, as it represented a journey of discovery and culinary exploration.

As I gathered the ingredients for the Mixed Bean and Apple Soup, I couldn't help but reminisce about the different recipes I had learned throughout the years. Some were passed down through generations, while others were acquired during my travels around the world. Each recipe had a story to tell, a memory to cherish.

The magic of cooking, for me, lay in the process of combining different flavors and textures to create a delicious dish that would tantalize the taste buds. As I chopped the onions, garlic, and celery for the soup, the aromas filled the kitchen, creating a comforting and inviting atmosphere.

I sautéed the vegetables in a large pot, allowing them to soften and release their flavors. Then, I added the mixed beans - a colorful assortment of kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas. The beans added a hearty and nutritious element to the soup, making it a satisfying meal on a chilly autumn day.

Next, I peeled and diced the apples, adding them to the pot along with a splash of apple cider vinegar. The apples added a hint of sweetness and a refreshing crunch to the soup, balancing out the earthy flavors of the beans and vegetables.

As the soup simmered on the stovetop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and joy. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of the soup, a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

After letting the soup simmer for a while, I carefully ladled it into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The colors of the soup were vibrant and inviting, a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

I sat down at the table, spoon in hand, ready to savor the fruits of my labor. As I took the first bite of the Mixed Bean and Apple Soup, I felt a rush of warmth and nostalgia wash over me. The flavors danced on my tongue, each spoonful a delight of sweet and savory notes.

As I savored the last spoonful of soup, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe had taken me on a journey of culinary discovery, a reminder of the joy and magic that cooking brought to my life.

In that moment, I realized that the true beauty of cooking lay not just in the ingredients and techniques, but in the stories and memories that each recipe held. The Mixed Bean and Apple Soup would now hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I stumbled upon a new and exciting recipe that would become a cherished favorite in my culinary repertoire.