Mixed Bean Soup

Mixed Bean Soup Recipe - A Hearty and Delicious Dish from the United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mixed bean soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This recipe combines a variety of beans with vegetables and a flavorful broth to create a delicious and satisfying soup.

History

Bean soups have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Beans are a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be easily combined with other ingredients to create a nutritious and filling meal. This mixed bean soup recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, incorporating a variety of beans and vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

butter - 25 g (1 oz)
carrots - 225 g (8 oz), diced
parsnips - 225 g (8 oz), diced
onion - 1 sliced
potatoes - 2 peeled and diced
green pepper - 1 seeded and diced
lentils - 50 g (2 oz)
vegetable stock - 450 ml
milk - 450 ml
bouquet garni - 1
red kidney beans - 1 x 213 g (7 oz) can drained
butter beans - 1 x 213 g can (7 oz) drained
sprigs fresh parsley - to garnish
bread rolls - to serve

How to prepare

1. In a large non-stick frying pan, melt the butter and add the prepared vegetables. Cook until softened.
2. Add lentils, stock, milk, and bouquet garni. Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Remove and discard the bouquet garni.
3. Add beans and heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve with bread rolls.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, for variety.
Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.

- For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the beans.

- Make sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this mixed bean soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables to develop their flavors before adding the liquid.

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

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the milk for a lighter soup.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This mixed bean soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

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

Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (rolls).

Summary

This mixed bean soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mixed bean soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup on a chilly day for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down through generations in my family. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Mixed Bean Soup caught my eye. The ingredients were simple – a mix of beans, vegetables, and spices – but the flavors sounded rich and comforting.

I had always loved cooking, and I had learned many recipes from my own mother and grandmother. But this recipe was different. It spoke to me in a way that no other recipe had before. I could almost taste the hearty broth and the tender beans just by reading the ingredients list.

I decided then and there that I would make this soup. I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen. As the soup simmered on the stove, the aroma filled my home with warmth and comfort. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

As I sat down to enjoy my first bowl of Mixed Bean Soup, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. Over the years, I have made it countless times, tweaking and perfecting it to suit my tastes. But the basic recipe remains the same – a mix of beans, vegetables, and spices that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite among all who have tried it. I love the way it brings people together around the table, sharing stories and laughter as they enjoy a steaming bowl of soup.

One of my favorite memories of making this soup was when my granddaughter, Anna, came to visit. She had always been curious about cooking, and I could see the same spark in her eyes that I had when I first discovered the recipe for Mixed Bean Soup.

I invited Anna to join me in the kitchen, and together we chopped vegetables, measured spices, and stirred the pot as the soup bubbled away. I shared with her the story of how I first found the recipe, and she listened intently, soaking up every word.

As we sat down to eat, Anna took her first bite of the soup and her face lit up with delight. "This is amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait to make it for my friends."

I smiled at her enthusiasm, knowing that I had passed down not just a recipe, but a tradition that would continue to bring joy and comfort to future generations. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, and I am grateful for the memories and moments that have been created around a simple bowl of soup.

As I look back on the years of making Mixed Bean Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that brought so much happiness into my life. It may have been just a few simple ingredients on a page, but it has become so much more – a symbol of love, family, and the power of a shared meal.

So whenever I make a pot of Mixed Bean Soup, I am reminded of the day I first discovered the recipe and the journey it has taken me on. And I am grateful for all the memories, laughter, and love that have been shared around that humble bowl of soup.