Monday, October 18, 2010

A bean soup to cheer for

My family wasn't planning a bunting-filled celebration when I announced that I was making bean soup for supper. In fact, I was begged not to continue.  Money was slipped into the back pocket of my jeans if I'd reconsider.  This soup, however, won them over. It's the dodgy-looking frog that turns into a handsome prince. And it will surprise you.


  • Find a bag of dried mixed beans (Trader Joe's has one for all of $1).  Pour the beans into a bowl, fill with plenty of cold water and soak overnight, changing the water when you think of it.
  • The next day, chop an onion and soften it in a little olive oil in a pan. Add your now rinsed, picked-over beans and plenty of cold water. I also add a sprig of rosemary, a few bits of thyme and a bay leaf wrapped in some muslin.  Bring to a boil and then let them simmer for about an hour.  Adjust flavors. Toss out the herbs. Add salt (you'll need a fair amount for all those beans) and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with a swirl of good olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley, a shave of Parmesan, just like pasta e fagioli but without the pasta.

5 comments:

John M said...

Easily the best bean soup I have ever had. Instead of the usual mushy fare, the beans were still largely intact and the addition of fresh chopped parsley gave the whole dish a fresh and light note that made it extraordinary. A perfect dish.

Miss Whistle said...

Thank you darling. Check's in the mail.

AQ said...

Trying this TONIGHT

Wally B said...

me too

LPC said...

Sounds so lovely.