Creamy Bean Soup

Creamy Bean Soup is a delightful recipe that combines the heartiness of pinto beans with a creamy and rich texture. This soup has become a favorite among many due to the addition of fat-free evaporated milk, which adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish. With simple ingredients and a slow cooking method, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields a satisfying and flavorful soup.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 cups (1.4 L) water
• 2 cups (386 g) dried pinto beans
• ¼ cup (40 g) chopped onion
• ¼ teaspoon marjoram
• Dash black pepper
• 1 cup (235 ml) fat-free evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) flour

PREPARATION:

1. In a saucepan, bring water and pinto beans to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours.
2. Pour the cooked beans and their cooking liquid into a bowl and cover it. Chill the beans in the refrigerator.
3. Drain the chilled beans, reserving the cooking liquid.
4. Transfer the beans to a slow cooker and stir in the chopped onion, marjoram, and black pepper.
5. Add enough of the reserved cooking liquid (about 2 cups or 475 ml) to cover the beans.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 12 to 14 hours.
7. Turn the slow cooker to high. Slowly blend the fat-free evaporated milk into the flour, and then stir this mixture into the beans in the slow cooker.
8. Cover the slow cooker again and cook until the soup thickens and becomes bubbly, for about 10 to 15 minutes.
9. If desired, you can mash the beans slightly to achieve a thicker consistency.

YIELD: 6 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 284 g water
• 264 calories (3% from fat, 26% from protein, 71% from carbs)
• 17 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 47 g carbs
• 10 g fiber
• 6 g sugar
• 351 mg phosphorus
• 206 mg calcium
• 3 mg iron
• 64 mg sodium
• 1052 mg potassium
• 170 IU vitamin A
• 50 mg ATE vitamin E
• 5 mg vitamin C
• 2 mg cholesterol

In conclusion, Creamy Bean Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the wholesome goodness of pinto beans with a velvety texture achieved through the addition of fat-free evaporated milk. This recipe is popular among those who appreciate a creamy and hearty soup that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a side dish.

The process of making Creamy Bean Soup involves slow cooking the dried pinto beans with water and aromatic ingredients such as onion, marjoram, and black pepper. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful base. The beans are then combined with a mixture of fat-free evaporated milk and flour, which thickens the soup and gives it a creamy consistency.

The use of fat-free evaporated milk adds a touch of richness to the soup without adding excessive fat content. This ingredient provides a creamy texture and enhances the overall taste of the dish. The slow cooking process ensures that the beans are tender and fully infused with the flavors of the seasonings.

Creamy Bean Soup offers a good balance of macronutrients, providing a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates while being low in fat. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. The soup is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable option for those who are watching their calorie intake.

This soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, allowing the flavors to further develop and intensify.

Overall, Creamy Bean Soup is a delicious and nourishing option that brings together the comfort of a creamy soup with the wholesomeness of pinto beans. Its simplicity, creamy texture, and delightful flavors make it a go-to recipe for a cozy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of beans or looking for a nutritious and filling soup, Creamy Bean Soup is sure to please your taste buds and keep you warm on chilly days.