Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound dried white beans, rinsed and picked over
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the white beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
2. Pour in the broth and stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
5. Temperature:
- Low or high setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 16g
- Fiber: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use canned white beans instead of dried beans.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian.
Variations:
- Add diced ham or cooked sausage for a heartier soup.
- Add chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tomato-based soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the beans overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the slow cooker for easy cleanup.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in a bread bowl for a fun presentation.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it cook for a bit longer to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the soup reaches a temperature of 165°F before serving to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- White bean soup is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- This soup is savory and comforting with a creamy texture and a hint of thyme.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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Taste: Savory, Herby, Hearty, Comforting, Earthy