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White Bean and Beef Winter Soup

A classic soup for a cold winter night.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

Beans

  • 1 lb. white beans soaked for 8 to 12 hours

Beef

  • 1 lb. grass fed beef cubed or ground

Base

  • 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste

Vegetables

  • 2 Carrots finely cubed
  • 6 Celery stalks finely chopped

Bouquet Garni

  • 1 bunch Parsley
  • 4 sprigs Thyme
  • 2 Bay Leafs
  • 6 Black pepper corns

Spices

  • 1 Tbsp. Cumin
  • 1 Tbsp. Paprika
  • 1 tsp. Black Pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Soak beans in cold water for 8 to 12 hours. Discard any beans that float. Alternatively, soak 1 hour, covered, in boiling water.
  • Heat oil in a big pan over medium heat, and saute onion until golden.
  • Add tomato paste, paprika and cumin, and mix constantly till well scented and starts to darken (caramelize).
  • Add carrots and celery, mix, and cook for about 5 minutes, till vegetables start to soften.
  • Add beef and mix frequently, until all beef changed its color.
  • Add drained beans, mix, and add water to cover about 2" above ingredients.
  • Add bouquet Garni and bring to a boil.
  • Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 2 to 4 hours, till beans are soft and all flavors are well blended.
  • Taste and fix flavors; you will need to add salt, probably some cumin, and more pepper if you are looking for a spicier flavor.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  • Make sure NOT to add salt until beans are soft, as it will slow down the softening process.
  • Feel free to add more root vegetables to the mix for an even richer flavor: celeriac and parsley root are immediate candidates!
  • If you like a thicker soup, add less water, just make sure you check the soup every so often to avoid scorching.
  • If you like meat sticks, feel free to chop some and add with the beef.
  • Pressure cooker is a great tool for this recipe: can be finished in less than 1 hour.