Bean Soup

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Bean soup is a comforting and nutritious dish enjoyed in various cultures. This recipe will guide you to prepare a delicious bean soup with authentic flavors. Whether as a main meal or a side, this soup will be a tasty addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried beans (can be black, red, pinto, depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 liter of vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional to serve: avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, grated cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparation of the Beans

1. Washing and Soaking:
   • Wash the beans in cold water. Soak them in water overnight or use the quick soak method following package directions.
2. Cooking the Beans:
   • In a large pot, cook the beans with enough water until tender. This can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of beans. Drain and reserve.

Step 2: Preparation of the Soup

1. Stir-fry:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic and green pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add Tomatoes:
   • Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until the mixture looks more homogeneous.
3. Spices:
   • Add bay leaf, cumin, oregano and paprika. Stir to mix the spices with the vegetables.
4. Add Cooked Beans:
   • Add the cooked beans to the vegetable and spice mixture.
5. Broth:
   • Pour the vegetable broth or water into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Season:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices according to your personal preferences.

Step 3: Serve

1. Remove the Bay Leaf:
   • Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Serving Options:
   • Serve the soup hot and accompany with avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream or grated cheese, depending on your tastes.
3. To enjoy:
   • Enjoy this comforting soup as a main dish or serve with crusty bread.

There you have it! A delicious and nutritious bean soup that will warm your soul. Experiment with ingredients and spices according to your preferences to make it even more personal. Enjoy!