Description
Hearty Greek white bean soup delivers comfort and nutrition through classic Mediterranean ingredients. Rustic preparation and simple techniques make this soup a soulful celebration of Greek culinary traditions you can easily enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 g (8.8 oz) cannellini beans or other small white beans, soaked overnight
- 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) vegetable stock (optional)
- 6 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- ½ onion, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced very thinly
- 1 stick of celery, finely chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Bean Preparation: Thoroughly rinse pre-soaked white beans and par-boil in a large pot for 3-4 minutes to eliminate impurities, then drain and set aside.
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a substantial pot over moderate temperature. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they develop a translucent, golden-edged appearance with an enticing fragrance.
- Liquid Integration: Add par-boiled beans to the aromatic base, pour in water or vegetable stock, and bring to a vigorous boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle, consistent simmer for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent bean adhesion.
- Vegetable and Seasoning Incorporation: Introduce diced celery, chopped carrots, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue simmering until the soup achieves a robust consistency with tender beans and slightly thickened liquid.
- Final Flavor Enhancement: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and delicate lemon zest. Allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve piping hot, optionally garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley for added visual and gustatory complexity.
Notes
- Soak Beans Smartly: Pre-soak white beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring better nutrient absorption and softer texture.
- Control Liquid Levels: Monitor water during long simmering to prevent beans from drying out, adding extra stock or water as needed to maintain desired soup consistency.
- Flavor Layering Technique: Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop deep, complex base flavors that will enhance the overall soup’s taste profile.
- Zest Wisely: Add lemon zest and juice at the end of cooking to preserve bright, fresh citrus notes and prevent potential bitterness from extended heat exposure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg