Ingredients and Weight:
- White Beans: 500 grams
- Ham or Chicken Breast: 250 grams
- Onion: 1 large or 2 small, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, chopped
- Celery: 2-3 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Water: 4-5 liters
- Optional: Bay leaves, dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20-30 minutes
- Cooking: 2-3 hours (slow cooking yields best results)
Difficulty Level:
[Level 3] - Moderate. requires cutting and slow cooking.
Preparation Method Steps:
- Sort and wash white beans, removing any impurities.
- In a large pot, add water and bring to a boil.
- Add chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, celery) and garlic.
- Once the water starts boiling, add the beans and optional bay leaves and herbs.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beans are fully cooked and the soup is creamy.
- Add ham or chicken breast pieces and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjust seasoning and remove bay leaves if used.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or rice.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: ~300-400 depending on the amount of ham or chicken added.
- Carbohydrates: From beans and natural sugars in vegetables.
- Protein: From beans and meat.
- Fat: From the meat and a small amount from the oil used for seasoning, if any.
- Fiber: From beans and vegetables.
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich in flavor due to long cooking time.
- A classic American-style soup that can be easily customized with different meats or vegetables.
- Hearty and filling, perfect for colder weather or as a main course for a larger meal.
User Comments:
- "This soup is so comforting! The perfect dish for a cold winter's day."
- "I added some potatoes and peas to make it more filling and it was delicious."
- "I used vegetable stock instead of water to make it vegetarian-friendly and it still tasted great."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to soak the beans overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time and ensure they are fully cooked.
- For best results, use fresh ingredients from the market rather than frozen or canned ones.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
