Dive into a bowl of comfort with this Hearty Pickle Soup with Beans. This recipe is perfect for those who might find traditional versions a bit daunting. With the rich flavors of fried bacon and a savory blend of onions and carrots stewed in tomato sauce, this soup is bound to impress. Using dried beans instead of canned ones ensures a thicker, heartier texture, making each spoonful satisfyingly velvety.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 235.00 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients for 6 Servings
- Dry red beans: 10.6 oz (300 g)
- Bacon: 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Potatoes: 2 medium
- Pickled cucumbers: 2 medium
- Onion: 1 medium
- Cilantro: 4 sprigs
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients. Soak the beans in cold water (at least 1 liter/1 quart) overnight. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a pot.
Step 2
Cover the beans with fresh drinking water and bring to a boil. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and simmer on low heat for 1 hour. The beans should be soft but retain their shape.
Step 3
Cut the bacon into strips and fry in a dry pan until crispy if desired. Transfer the bacon to the pot with the beans. Add the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf afterward.
Step 4
Peel and cut the potatoes and carrots into strips. Similarly, slice the pickled cucumbers. Add the potatoes to the pot with the beans and bacon and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the cucumbers and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 5
For the soup base, peel and thinly slice the onion into half-rings. Sauté the onion and carrots on low heat in the remaining vegetable oil until soft. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes.
Step 6
Add the sautéed mixture to the nearly finished soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Wash and finely chop the cilantro, then add it to the soup. Remove the pot from heat and cover with a lid. Let the soup rest for 15 minutes.
Helpful Tip
Serve the Pickle Soup with Beans with a generous dollop of thick sour cream for added richness. If you prefer a lower-calorie version, you can skip the sour cream. The bacon can also be omitted to make the soup suitable for vegetarians or during fasting periods.
Additional Information
Before removing the soup from the stove, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might need to add a bit more spices to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup, which is perfect for cold days or as a filling meal any time of the year!
