Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken broth (3 liters): 3 large cartons or homemade from chicken carcasses
- Carrots (fresh): 200 grams, peeled and sliced
- Celery (fresh): 150 grams, cleaned and chopped
- Onion (fresh): 1 large, chopped
- Garlic cloves: 5-6, crushed
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Bay leaves: 4-5
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Cream or milk: 2 cups (optional)
- Dried beans (like kidney beans or mixed beans): 1 cup, soaked overnight then boiled
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes (soaking beans overnight)
- Cooking: 2-3 hours
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Soak the dried beans overnight in water.
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the boiled beans and bay leaves and continue to simmer for another hour or until the soup is rich and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
- If desired, add cream or milk for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
- Serve hot in a jar or transfer to a serving bowl.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 people)
Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on added cream/milk)
Fat: 10-20g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Protein: 20-30g
Fiber: 8-12g (from beans)
Dish Characteristics:
- Traditional American flavor with a hearty soup base.
- Rich in flavor from slow cooking and natural ingredients.
- Provides a good source of protein, fiber, and nutrients from beans and vegetables.
User Comments:
- "This soup is amazing! The flavors blend so well together."
- "I love the combination of beans and fresh vegetables in this soup."
- "This is a great dish for a cold winter day."
- "I added more cream for a richer flavor, it was delicious."
- "A comforting dish that's also good for you."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for proper cooking and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to preference. Some people may prefer more salt or pepper.
- If using canned beans, make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt and any liquid from the can before adding to the soup.