Manest(Poor People'S Soup)
Manest is a hearty, budget-friendly soup combining tender greens, vegetables, beans, and tomato flavors, topped with Parmesan. Its comforting profile suits those seeking affordable, nourishing meals with a touch of Mediterranean essence. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash lettuce in salt water and rinse.
- Cut lettuce into 3-inch pieces.
- Place lettuce in a large pot and cover with water.
- Cut celery into 1-inch pieces and carrots into 1-inch pieces; add to the pot with lettuce.
- Add salt to taste.
- Cover and cook for 1 to 1½ hours, until vegetables are tender. Cover the saucepan lightly with oil.
- Fry garlic lightly in a pan.
- Add tomato sauce to the garlic and cook for a few minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and oregano to the tomato sauce to taste.
- Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans and simmer for about 30 minutes, until thickened.
- Drain vegetables, saving the vegetable water.
- Add vegetables back to the bean sauce; slowly add water until the mixture is thick but soupy.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the lettuce and other vegetables. You can substitute escarole or endive with kale or Swiss chard if desired. To enhance the dish further, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or some fresh herbs like basil. This soup is also great with leftover vegetables, making it a versatile choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad like Cucumber-Radish Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Vegetable Couscous or Herb Bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manest(Poor People'S Soup) contains roughly 551 calories, with 16g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can certainly use other types of beans such as kidney beans or black beans if you prefer. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for easy incorporation into the soup. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the bean type you choose.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water to achieve your desired consistency.
What can I add to make this soup heartier?
To make the soup even heartier, you can add diced potatoes, zucchini, or even cooked pasta. These additions will enhance the texture and make it more filling. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure all ingredients are tender and well combined.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).