Hearty Israeli Bean & Vegetable Soup
Inspired by Norene Gilletz's MealLeaniYumm, this Hearty Israeli Bean & Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food that embraces the deliciousness of Mediterranean flavors. Combining the earthiness of small white beans with a medley of fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, this soup is not just hearty, it’s also packed with nutrition. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week, it acts as a fulfilling dish that warms you from the inside out. The vibrant cilantro adds a fresh touch that will tantalize your taste buds and make this soup a cherished recipe in your kitchen!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
small white beans
2 cups (soaked overnight, drained, and rinsed)
cold water
6 cups (for soaking the beans)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onions
3 (chopped)
celery ribs
3 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
carrots
3 (chopped)
water
6 1/2 cups
potatoes
2 (peeled and cut into small chunks)
bay leaf
1-2
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
cumin
1 teaspoon
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
salt and pepper
to taste
fresh cilantro
1/4-1/2 cup (minced)
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the small white beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse them well before cooking.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing for about five minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
3
Add the carrots and minced garlic to the pot and continue sautéing for an additional five minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Pour in the 6 1/2 cups of water, and then add the soaked beans, potatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, and cumin. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for one hour, allowing the ingredients to soften and the flavors to deepen.
6
After an hour, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
7
Just before serving, stir in the minced fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. If the soup is too thick for your liking, thin it out with a little additional water until you achieve your desired consistency.
8
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and nutritious flavors of this delicious soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Israeli Bean & Vegetable Soup?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired comfort food featuring small white beans, fresh vegetables, and vibrant cilantro.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of small white beans.
Do the beans need to be soaked?
Yes, the beans should be soaked in cold water overnight, then drained and rinsed before cooking.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The soup contains onions, celery ribs, carrots, garlic cloves, and potatoes.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, it is suitable for vegetarians.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with bay leaves, dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
How much water is needed for the cooking process?
You will need 6 and 1/2 cups of water for the soup base.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
Sauté them for about five minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant.
When should the carrots and garlic be added?
Add them after the onions and celery, then sauté for an additional five minutes.
How long is the initial simmering time?
The mixture should simmer for one hour once the beans, potatoes, and spices are added.
When do I add the tomato ingredients?
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste after the first hour of simmering.
How much longer should it cook after adding tomatoes?
Simmer for another 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
What herb is added just before serving?
Minced fresh cilantro is added at the end for a burst of freshness.
How can I adjust the soup's thickness?
If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little additional water.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Norene Gilletz's MealLeaniYumm.
How many onions are used?
The recipe uses 3 chopped onions.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe uses 3 chopped carrots.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What is the preparation for the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into small chunks.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, the use of beans and various vegetables makes it a high-fiber dish.
Can this soup be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for meal prep for the week.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
What size of crushed tomatoes is needed?
A 28-ounce container of crushed tomatoes is used.
How much cilantro should I use?
Use between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of minced fresh cilantro.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It features earthy Mediterranean flavors with a fresh herbal finish.
What type of pot is recommended?
A large, heavy-bottomed soup pot is recommended.
How should the soup be served?
It should be served hot for the best comforting experience.