The Delicious Delight: Exploring the Simplicity of Ciorba de Fasole Verde

Throughout history soups have been a staple of healthy eating. These nourishing dishes, rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, are loved for their versatility and comforting qualities. In addition to their nutritional value, these traditional soups are often easy to prepare.

Ciorba de fasole verde

For a healthy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed year-round, try ciorba de fasole verde (green bean soup) made with heirloom “Marvel of Venice” Italian yellow pole beans!

I grew up enjoying this bean soup every summer, thanks to the abundance of beans in our garden, lovingly grown by my mother or grandmother. Over the years, I have had it countless times, and I can almost smell the aroma of it cooking and recall the meaty texture of the beans and fall-of-the bone chicken, bringing back memories of those days.

While we've tried various beans, none compare to the exceptional taste of "Marvel of Venice." These long, flat, golden-yellow Romano-type pods are not only visually striking but also offer a unique flavor and texture. For our traditional Romanian green bean soup, "Marvel of Venice" beans make a noticeable difference, enhancing the dish with their superior taste.

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“Marvel of Venice” yellow pole bean

The "Marvel of Venice" yellow pole bean features long, slender, pale yellow pods, about 7 to 9 inches in length. They offer a sweet, nutty flavor with a smooth, stringless texture. Easy to grow and ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners, these beans thrive with support from a trellis or stakes and produce a plentiful harvest. For a comforting and flavorful green bean soup, these beans are a top choice, though other green beans can be used as well.

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Our “Marvel of Venice” ciorba de fasole recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 onion
• 4 carrots
• 4 celery stalks
• 1 green pepper
• 2 peeled tomatoes
• 3 pounds of beans
• 2 pounds of your choice of meat (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 tablespoon of chopped Italian parsley or dill
• 1 teaspoon of fresh lovage (optional)
• 1 pint of sour cream

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INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1. Break green beans into 2 inch lengths and place in bowl. Rinse with water and drain.

Step 2. Place the chunks of onion, carrots, green pepper, and celery in the Chop 'N Prep Chef and pull cord to chop. Do not overfill. Repeat the process until all veggies are chopped. Or chop vegetables by hand.

Step 3. If using boneless chicken or beef, cut up the meat in cubes and set aside. If using bone-in chicken or beef, prepare to add to pot.

Step 4.  Add all veggies to soup pot and saute for 5-7 minutes. Add the meat and water to cover the meat. Boil for 5 minutes. Add the green beans and more water to cover the beans, veggies, and meat. Boil for an hour and twenty minutes on medium heat.

Step 5. Add seasonings and sour cream and continue boiling for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and enjoy!

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History and cultural significance of green bean soup

Green bean soup has deep roots in many cultures, and it's a dish that feels like home to many people. In Eastern Europe, it's been a staple for generations, with each family adding their own special touch.

In many rural communities, green bean soup is a way to make the most of a bountiful harvest and celebrate the season’s flavors.

Health benefits of green bean soup

Green bean soup is a nutritious choice packed with fiber and protein. It supports digestion, helps with weight management, and provides folate, which is important for cell health and reducing disease risk. Low in calories and fat, the soup is also rich in antioxidants that protect your cells. Overall, it’s a healthy, flavorful option for a balanced diet.

Traditional green bean soup recipe

The traditional green bean soup recipe is a simple, yet delicious, dish that showcases the natural flavors of the green beans. Here is a classic recipe that you can follow to create a comforting and nourishing green bean soup:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

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INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

• Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

• Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to help the beans soften slightly.

• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

• Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.

• Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve the green bean soup hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Variations and regional adaptations of green bean soup

Green bean soup can be adapted in many ways to suit different tastes and regional ingredients:

Asian-Inspired Green Bean Soup: Uses dashi or miso-based broth for a savory flavor, with ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, mushrooms, tofu, or shrimp.

Mediterranean Green Bean Soup: Features olive oil, herbs like oregano or rosemary, and tomatoes. It may be garnished with crumbled feta or toasted breadcrumbs.

Latin American Green Bean Soup: Includes spices such as cumin and chili peppers, and may be made with tomato puree. Additions like corn, potatoes, or chorizo sausage make it heartier.

Eastern European Green Bean Soup: Often has a rich broth made with chicken or beef, and includes potatoes, carrots, and root vegetables. It is typically garnished with sour cream or dill.

Tips for making the perfect green bean soup

Creating a delicious and satisfying green bean soup requires a few key tips and techniques. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve the perfect bowl of this comforting dish:

• Use fresh, high-quality green beans: The key to a great green bean soup is starting with fresh, crisp green beans. Look for beans that are bright green in color, with a firm and snap texture. Avoid limp or discolored beans, as they may result in a less flavorful soup.

• Properly trim and cut the green beans: Before adding the beans to the soup, be sure to trim off the ends and break them into 1 to 2-inch pieces. This will help the beans cook evenly and create a more consistent texture throughout the soup.

• Sauté the aromatics: Building a flavorful base for the soup is essential. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a bit of oil or butter until they are fragrant and softened. This will help to release their natural flavors and add depth to the overall dish.
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• Add a bone-in piece of meat: Including a bone-in piece of chicken or beef not only imparts additional rich flavor but also provides other health benefits such as collagen and minerals, enhancing the nutritional profile of your soup.

• Simmer the soup gently: Once you've added the broth and green beans to the pot and brought it to a boil, let the soup simmer gently over low heat. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender, without overcooking them.

• Season with care: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Start with a light hand when adding salt and pepper, as the flavors can become more pronounced as the soup cooks. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme, bay leaves, or a touch of paprika, to customize the flavor profile.

• Blend a portion for a creamier texture: If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked green beans and broth using a blender or immersion blender. This will create a more velvety texture while still maintaining some of the bean's natural crunch.

• Garnish for added flavor and visual appeal: Top your green bean soup with a variety of garnishes to enhance the overall experience. Consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, some crispy croutons, or a few fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Serving and garnishing ideas for green bean soup

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the green bean soup with a crusty, freshly baked bread, such as a rustic baguette or a hearty sourdough. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful broth and provide a satisfying texture contrast.

• Croutons: Top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for a crunchy element. The croutons can be seasoned with herbs, garlic, or Parmesan cheese to complement the flavors of the soup.

• Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan, cheddar, or even feta cheese can add a delightful creamy and tangy note to the soup.

• Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can provide a cooling and refreshing contrast to the warm soup, as well as a touch of creaminess.

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a vibrant, aromatic garnish to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, consider serving the green bean soup with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers, on the side or as a topping.

• Crispy Bacon or Pancetta: For a savory and indulgent twist, top the soup with crispy, crumbled bacon or pancetta.

• Toasted Nuts or Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the soup.

• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors of the soup and provide a refreshing contrast.

• Grilled or Toasted Bread: Serve the soup with slices of grilled or toasted bread, which can be used to dip into the flavorful broth.

Where to buy green bean soup ingredients

Sourcing the right ingredients for a delicious green bean soup is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fortunately, the key ingredients for this dish are widely available and can be found in a variety of retail outlets or online at GrownOnAcornAcres.

Onions and Garlic

These aromatic vegetables are essential for building the flavor base of the soup. You can find high-quality onions and garlic at most supermarkets.