West Meets East Soup
A flavorful fusion soup combining hearty beans and vegetables with aromatic seasonings, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians and soup lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set aside seasonings from soup mix.
- Sort and discard foreign matter from beans.
- Rinse beans and place in a 5 to 6-quart pan.
- Add 2 1/2 quarts water, let stand at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse beans.
- In a large pot, combine soup mix, chopped onions, chicken broth, diced potato, and sliced celery.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans instead of dried; just rinse and add them directly to the pot. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference or try incorporating spices like cumin for an added kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad, Cuban Style, or you can add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. Top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Meets East Soup contains roughly 417 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian version of this soup. It will still provide a rich base for the flavors of the vegetables and soup mix to shine through.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. You could also stir in a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to kick up the spice level.
What type of beans work best for this recipe?
A variety of beans can be used, but black beans or pinto beans are excellent choices for their flavor and texture. If you're trying to replicate the essence of El Maklouba, you might opt for chickpeas for a unique twist.
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).