Ingredients and Weight:
- Pumpkin: 1 small (about 2 pounds)
- Black Beans: 1 cup, dry
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Water or Chicken Stock: 4 cups
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total: 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the pumpkin by peeling and cleaning, then cut into small cubes.
- Soak the black beans in water for 2 hours before cooking.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil and add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the chicken breast pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, until the chicken starts to turn white.
- Add the soaked black beans and enough water or chicken stock to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the pumpkin cubes. Simmer for about 1 hour or until the black beans and pumpkin are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming all ingredients are consumed)
Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (depending on seasoning)
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 8g (approx., depending on actual ingredient weights used)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy soup with a sweet and savory flavor from the pumpkin and black beans.
- Comforting and nourishing, perfect for colder weather or as a vegetarian option.
- Offers a variety of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
User Comments:
- "This soup is amazing! The combination of pumpkin and black beans is unique and delicious."
- "I love how creamy this soup becomes after cooking. It's so comforting."
- "This recipe is easy to follow and makes a great dish for a family dinner."
- "A great vegetarian option that is both hearty and flavorful."
- "The soup is rich in flavor and nutrition, my family loved it!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Soaking the black beans ahead of time helps to soften them and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- For a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the cooked soup in a blender before serving.
- Pumpkin skin can be left on for additional fiber, but ensure it is cleaned thoroughly before cooking.