Seasoned Dried Bean Soup is a hearty and nutritious soup from Turkish cuisine, made with dried beans and a unique blend of herbs and spices. It’s a perfect meal for cold days and is known for its comforting and satisfying qualities. This recipe brings you an original and easy way to prepare this traditional soup, ideal for families and health-conscious individuals.
In a large pot, cover the soaked beans with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45-60 minutes until the beans are tender.
In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
Drain the cooked beans and add them to the pot with vegetables. Pour in the broth. Stir in the paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, lemon juice, and flour until smooth.
Slowly pour the seasoning mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the soup is slightly thickened.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Seasoned Dried Bean Soup is a delightful and nutritious choice for anyone looking to explore traditional Turkish flavors. It's filling, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.
Bean Preparation: Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and helps make them more digestible.
Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and quality spices for the best flavor.
Consistency of the Soup: Adjust the amount of broth based on your preferred soup consistency.
Slow Addition: Gradually add the egg-lemon mixture while continuously stirring to prevent the egg from curdling.
Balance of Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The right balance of lemon and salt is crucial.
Use of Broth: Using vegetable or chicken broth adds more flavor than water alone.
Simmering Time: Don’t rush the simmering process, as it allows the flavors to meld together.
Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently. The soup tends to thicken when cooled, so you may need to add a bit of water when reheating.
Serving Suggestion: This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
Variations: For a meatier version, consider adding cubed lamb or beef during the cooking process.