Peasant Soup
A hearty peasant soup featuring tender beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place beans in a Dutch oven and cover with water; bring to a boil.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse the beans; return to the Dutch oven.
- Add 6 cups water and all other ingredients except oil; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Discard the bay leaves.
- Add olive oil and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mashing some of the beans after cooking. If Great Northern beans aren’t available, you can substitute with navy or cannellini beans. Adding a splash of vinegar before serving can enhance the flavors. You can also include some diced potatoes for extra heartiness in this rustic dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Peasant Soup with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Onion And Tomato Salad to brighten the flavors. Consider topping with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. This soup can also be enjoyed as a hearty lunch or light dinner, making it versatile for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the soup. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peasant Soup contains roughly 224 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and boiling steps, and simply drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the Dutch oven. Reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes to heat everything through.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also serve the soup with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for those who prefer an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, Peasant Soup is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a hearty and nutritious option that fits well within vegan recipes. To enhance the flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste.
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).