Bean And Vegetable Soup First Time Around Food

WHITE BEAN AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Place the dry beans in a pot, cover with 3" of cold water, and let them soak overnight.
• The next morning drain the beans in a colander and rinse very well with cold water. Return the beans to the pot, add just enough water to cover them, and bring the water to a boil. After a couple of minutes, remove the pot from the heat, drain the water again and rinse the beans again. (This step is important, not only you are getting rid of the impurities and the residue of the beans, but your beans will be easier to digest and more gentle on your stomach!)
• Return the rinsed beans to the pot along with 6 cups of cold water and the olive oil. Bring to a boil, reduce to a medium simmer, and partially cover with a lid. Cook for 15 minutes.
• While the beans cook start prepping the vegetables. Once prepared add the leeks, shallot, kale, carrots, celery and garlic to the pot. Next add the bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, and ground pepper. Finally, if you have it, add the Parmesan rind (it adds lots of flavor to soups and stews as it slowly melds with the broth). Cook the soup for another 30 minutes, or, until beans are almost cooked.
• Stir the potatoes and the tomato into the soup. Simmer for another 15 minutes or so, until the potatoes are tender. Lastly, stir in the soup the salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
• Let the soup cool down slightly, then serve with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a good sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese.

HEARTY VEGETABLE BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, saute the carrots, zucchini, onion and red pepper in oil until crisp-tender. Add the broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, cumin and cayenne; bring to a boil. , Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro.

BARLEY, BEAN AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Add the barley to a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, and then simmer for 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender. Rinse the grains under cold running water, drain well and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the zucchinis, potatoes, garlic and chard and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes more until the greens have wilted.
• Pour in the stock and water and bring everything to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add in the Cannellini beans and simmer for another 20 minutes. Return the barley, green beans and peas, and simmer for a final 5 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper, and grate the Parmesan over the dish before serving.

VEGETABLE-BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add carrots, celery, and onion and cook until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and season with salt and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide soup among four bowls and serve with Parmesan.

BEAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, saute the carrots, onions and celery in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth, one can of beans, broccoli and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes. , Place remaining beans in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add to the soup with spinach if desired; simmer for 2 minutes or until heated through.