Kidney Bean Borscht
Kidney Bean Borscht: A Hearty and Nutritious Soup
Kidney Bean Borscht is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we will show you how to make this soup from scratch, using fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream and fresh dill, for serving
Cooking tips:
- Soak the kidney beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
- Use a large pot to cook the soup, as the beans will expand and the soup will thicken as it cooks.
- Add the tomato paste and smoked paprika towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked kidney beans. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the kidney beans, vegetable broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, until the beans are tender.
3. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh dill.
Appearance and taste:
Kidney Bean Borscht is a rich and creamy soup with a deep red color and a smooth texture. The soup has a complex flavor profile, with a hint of smokiness from the paprika and a subtle sweetness from the vegetables. The sour cream and dill add a tangy and fresh note to the soup, making it even more delicious.
Type of dish: Soup
Main ingredients: Kidney beans, vegetables, vegetable broth
