Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homestyle Navy Bean Soup?
Hearty Homestyle Navy Bean Soup is a nutritious dish featuring tender navy beans simmered with an aromatic blend of vegetables and spices, inspired by traditional family recipes.
What are the primary ingredients in this navy bean soup?
The main ingredients include navy beans, water, carrots, onions, garlic, celery leaves, bell pepper, tomato sauce, and various spices like cloves and mustard powder.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains 140 calories.
Is this navy bean soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How should I prepare the navy beans before cooking?
You should wash and pick over the navy beans to remove impurities, then soak them overnight or use a quick-boil method.
What is the quick-soak method for beans?
Boil the beans for 10 minutes and then let them sit in the water for one hour before rinsing and cooking.
How much water is required for cooking the soup?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of fresh water for the main cooking process.
Why should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Bay leaves are added to infuse flavor during the simmering process but are tough and should be removed before eating.
What is the purpose of balsamic vinegar in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar is used to sautรฉ and caramelize the onions, adding a rich depth of flavor to the soup.
How do I caramelize the onions for this soup?
Sautรฉ the chopped onions in balsamic vinegar over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are caramelized.
When should I add the carrots to the pot?
Add the sliced carrots after the beans have simmered for 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is the total recommended simmering time for the beans?
The beans simmer initially for 1 to 1.5 hours, and then for another 1 to 2 hours after all ingredients are added.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
While the recipe specifies carrots, onions, and bell peppers, you can add other vegetables though it may alter the nutritional profile.
Is this soup considered a low-protein option?
Yes, with 6g of protein per serving, it is a great option for those looking for a lower protein meal.
How much sodium is in each serving?
There is 93mg of sodium per serving of this soup.
Which spices are included in the recipe?
The spice blend includes ground cloves, mustard powder, chili powder, black pepper, thyme, and parsley flakes.
What is the role of miso in the recipe?
Miso paste is added at the end of the cooking process to enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the soup.
When should the miso paste be added?
The miso should be stirred in before the final 1 to 2 hours of simmering.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe calls for dried thyme and dried parsley flakes.
How much fat is in a serving of this soup?
This soup is very low in fat, containing only 0.25g per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
Each serving provides 7g of dietary fiber.
What can I serve with this navy bean soup?
It is recommended to serve this soup warm with crusty bread.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Can I use different beans for this recipe?
While specifically designed for navy beans, you could substitute other small white beans, though the texture may vary.
What does it mean to pick over the beans?
Picking over beans means inspecting them to remove any small stones, debris, or shriveled beans before washing.
Is there any barley in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of uncooked barley.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 5 cloves of minced garlic.
Does the soup contain any cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, this soup contains no cholesterol.
How long should the soup simmer after adding all final ingredients?
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.