Potato and Bean Soup

The aroma of a simmering pot of potato and bean soup brings back fond memories of family gatherings. I recall chilly evenings when my grandmother’s kitchen filled with warmth and delicious scents. The soothing, hearty essence of potato and bean soup had a magical ability to draw everyone around the table, coaxing laughter and stories as we savored each comforting spoonful.

Potato and bean soup serves as a canvas for flavors that meld beautifully with each other. Each bite presents a rustic charm, reminiscent of nurturing kitchens and cozy conversations. This simple, nourishing meal encapsulates the idea that creating something wonderful can come from the most basic ingredients. On those wintry nights, we didn’t just eat; we celebrated the beauty of home-cooked meals.

Crafting a flavorful potato and bean soup is not just about following a recipe; it involves embracing the experience. With the right ingredients and a touch of care, this soup transforms into a dish that warms both the body and soul. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to bring comfort and joy to your dining table.

Potato and Bean Soup Essentials

Fundamentals

When you want to create a delicious potato and bean soup, understanding the fundamentals of its ingredients is crucial. It starts with the aromatic base: olive oil, onion, celery, and carrots. These simple vegetables carry the soup’s flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend that sets the stage for richer components.

Onions release their sweetness as they sauté, while the celery and carrots lend earthiness and vibrancy to the dish. The combination creates a delightful aromatic foundation, essential for a comforting soup. Garlic, a worthy addition, enhances the flavor further, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that excites the senses.

Potatoes and beans serve as the heart of this dish. The creamy texture of diced potatoes complements the protein-packed beans, making the soup hearty and filling. With low-sodium vegetable broth as a cooking liquid, the soup becomes both comforting and nutritious. The inclusion of tomato paste adds depth, balancing the flavors within each spoonful.

Preparation/setup

Preparing potato and bean soup involves a few simple steps that yield magnificent results. Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, a diced onion, a diced celery rib, a diced large carrot, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, rinsed and drained canned beans, peeled and diced potatoes, low-sodium vegetable broth, tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley adds a finishing touch, brightening the dish with color and freshness.

Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and carrot, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and translucent. This should take about five minutes and begins building a rich flavor base. Add in the minced garlic, paprika, and dried herbs, cooking for an additional minute or until the mixture becomes fragrant.

Ingredients

The beauty of potato and bean soup lies within its simplicity. Here are the must-have ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables.
2. 1 onion, diced – any color will work, enhancing the flavor.
3. 1 celery rib, diced – adds crunch and a subtle bitterness.
4. 1 large carrot, diced – for sweetness and color.
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced – brings aromatic goodness.
6. ½ teaspoon dried thyme – to infuse herbal notes.
7. 2 teaspoons dried oregano – adds a warm, aromatic layer.
8. 2 teaspoons paprika – for a hint of smokiness.
9. 2 cans (14oz/400g each) Cannellini beans or your favorite beans, rinsed and drained – a source of protein.
10. 15oz (450 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced – the heartiness of the soup.
11. 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth – the soup’s main liquid.
12. 3 tablespoons tomato paste – for richness and depth of flavor.
13. 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste.
14. Black pepper, to taste – for a hint of spice.
15. 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish.

Directions

Creating this inviting potato and bean soup requires a little time but yields unforgettable flavor. Follow these directions carefully:

1. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2. When the oil shimmers, add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and turns translucent (about five minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and paprika. Allow these to cook for about one minute, releasing their fragrances into the oil.
4. Add the canned beans, diced potatoes, low-sodium vegetable broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Use discretion with salt, especially if your broth contains salt.
5. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the potatoes soften.
6. If you’d like a thicker broth, remove the pot from the heat after simmering. Let it cool slightly, then blend about 2 cups of the soup using a blender or stick blender. Be careful not to over-blend the potatoes, or they may become gluey. Return the blended mixture to the pot, stirring well.
7. Finally, stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Should you desire a thinner soup, add a splash more broth.

Serve the soup hot in bowls, sprinkling with chili flakes and drizzling with some extra virgin olive oil if you wish. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or croutons for a delightful meal.

Elevating Your Potato and Bean Soup Experience

Technique

Perfecting the technique in your potato and bean soup can greatly enhance its flavor and texture. The choice of beans matters; Cannellini beans lend creaminess, but you could opt for other varieties like kidney or black beans for a different profile. Experiment with fresh herbs by adding them towards the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant flavor.

For a more layered taste, consider toasting the spices in olive oil before adding the vegetables. This technique enhances their natural oils, resulting in a punchier flavor in your soup.

Tips/tricks

Here are a few tips to ensure your potato and bean soup shines:

1. Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
2. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, always have extra broth on hand to reach your desired consistency.
3. Layering Flavor: Taste as you go. Adjusting spices, salt, and herbs throughout the cooking process can transform a good soup into a great one.
4. Storage: This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Mastering Your Potato and Bean Soup

Perfecting results

To achieve perfection in your potato and bean soup, monitoring cooking times and temperatures is key. Simmering allows the flavors to deepen without overcooking the potatoes. If you want a creamy texture without using cream, blending some of the soup can provide that mouthfeel while still keeping the rustic elements intact.

Taste the soup before serving; the balance of seasoning is crucial. A pinch more salt, a sprinkle more of black pepper, or a hint of fresh herbs can amplify flavors perfectly.

Troubleshooting/variations

Not every soup turns out as expected, but troubleshooting can help. If the soup seems bland, a dash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors significantly. You can also add vegetables such as spinach or kale near the end of cooking for extra nutrition and texture.

Should the potatoes break down too much, ensure they’re cut to uniform sizes next time. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced chilies or red pepper flakes during the cooking process.

Serving and Storing Your Potato and Bean Soup

Serving/presentation

Presenting your potato and bean soup can be simple yet elegant. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, allowing its comforting, rustic charm to shine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. A drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the visual appeal, making the dish more inviting.

Pairings/storage

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or homemade croutons, making for a complete meal. The flavor dynamics work well with a side salad of mixed greens, providing a contrast in textures and further enhancing the dining experience.

When it comes to storage, ensure you let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for about five days. Freeze portions for longer storage, defrosting them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing qualities of potato and bean soup as it brings warmth to your table!

Potato and Bean Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty potato and bean soup that brings warmth and joy to any dining table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 cans (14oz/400g each) Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 15oz (450g) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring until the onion softens (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the canned beans, diced potatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. If desired, blend about 2 cups of the soup for a thicker texture; then return to the pot and stir in chopped parsley.
7. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Notes

Pairs well with crusty bread or croutons. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: soup, potato, beans, vegetarian, comfort food, hearty