Thick Haricot Beans Soup

Thick Haricot Beans Soup Recipe from Bulgaria

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thick Haricot Beans Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling meal. The creamy texture of the mashed beans combined with the subtle flavors of mint and red pepper create a delicious and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Haricot beans, also known as navy beans, have been a staple in many cuisines around the world for centuries. They are a versatile legume that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips. The combination of haricot beans with milk and spices in a soup is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

1 tea cup of haricot beans
1 tea cup of milk
2 tsp of butter (or 1 tbsp of sunflower oil)
1 tbsp of mint (fresh or dried)
1 tsp of red pepper
salt to taste

How to prepare

Clean and wash the beans, then soak them in cold water with salt overnight.
Afterwards, wash the beans again and place them in a pot. Add enough cold water to cover them and boil until they are soft (you can discard the first batch of water).
Strain the beans using a strainer and mash them using a wooden spoon.
Combine the mashed beans with the milk. Add enough "bouillon" so that the liquid level is three fingers above the mashed beans.
Add the mint, red pepper, and some salt to the mixture. Boil for another fifteen minutes over medium heat.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free version of the soup.
Stir in cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Top with crispy bacon or croutons for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Mash the beans with a wooden spoon for a creamy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or red pepper if desired.

- For a thicker soup, mash the beans more finely or add less liquid.

- Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh mint before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Thick Haricot Beans Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the beans until soft before mashing for a creamy texture.

- Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of white beans in place of haricot beans.

- Substitute olive oil for sunflower oil for a different flavor profile.

- Use dried mint instead of fresh mint if fresh is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Thick Haricot Beans Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thick Haricot Beans Soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a sprinkle of red pepper for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Thick Haricot Beans Soup with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a light and refreshing meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Thick Haricot Beans Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Thick Haricot Beans Soup contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Thick Haricot Beans Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Thick Haricot Beans Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats. Fats are important for absorbing vitamins and minerals, as well as providing a source of energy for the body.

Proteins

Each serving of Thick Haricot Beans Soup contains approximately 10 grams of proteins. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, as well as supporting immune function.

Vitamins and minerals

Thick Haricot Beans Soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Thick Haricot Beans Soup is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities. However, it does contain legumes, so it may not be suitable for those with legume allergies.

Summary

Thick Haricot Beans Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.

Summary

Thick Haricot Beans Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a satisfying and filling meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy the creamy texture and subtle flavors of mint and red pepper in every spoonful.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Thick Haricot Beans Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Charlotte in her cozy cottage. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma wafting from the kitchen. Charlotte was busy stirring a pot on the stove, and when she saw me, she smiled and said, "I'm making my grandmother's famous Haricot Beans Soup. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly accepted her offer, and she pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her collection. The card was yellowed with age, and the writing was faded, but Charlotte assured me that this recipe was a family heirloom passed down through the generations. She explained that the secret to the soup's thick and hearty texture was in the way the beans were cooked slowly over low heat, allowing them to release their natural starch and thicken the broth.

As I watched Charlotte work her magic in the kitchen, I listened intently as she shared stories of her grandmother and the many meals she had cooked for her family. She told me about how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, simmering broths, and creating delicious dishes that brought the whole family together around the dinner table.

I couldn't help but be inspired by Charlotte's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving her family's culinary traditions. I knew then and there that I wanted to learn as much as I could from her, so I asked if I could come back the next day to help her make the soup from start to finish.

The following day, I arrived at Charlotte's cottage bright and early, ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. We started by soaking the haricot beans overnight, allowing them to plump up and soften before cooking. Then, we chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sautéed them in a large pot until they were golden and fragrant.

Next, we added the soaked beans to the pot, along with a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, and a generous amount of homemade vegetable broth. We brought the mixture to a simmer and let it cook slowly for hours, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as needed.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the cottage with its rich and savory aroma, Charlotte and I chatted about life, love, and the joys of good food. I felt a deep connection to her in that moment, as if we were kindred spirits bound by a shared love of cooking and family.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the soup was ready. We ladled it into bowls, garnished it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and sat down at the table to savor the fruits of our labor.

The first spoonful of Thick Haricot Beans Soup was a revelation. The beans were perfectly tender, the broth was thick and flavorful, and the vegetables added a delicious crunch. It was a dish that warmed the soul and satisfied the hunger, a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking.

As I savored every bite, I thought about all the recipes I had learned from Charlotte over the years - the soups, stews, casseroles, and desserts that had become staples in my own kitchen. I realized that cooking was more than just a way to feed the body; it was a way to nourish the spirit and create lasting memories with the ones we love.

And so, as I finished my bowl of Thick Haricot Beans Soup, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. It was a reminder of the bonds of friendship, the joys of shared meals, and the simple pleasures of a well-cooked dish. And for that, I was eternally grateful to my dear friend Charlotte and her grandmother's timeless recipe.