Introduction
White Bean Soup with Chive Oil offers a comforting, nourishing dish that’s perfect for cold days. The rich flavor of the beans is enhanced by fresh herbs and an elegant drizzle of chive oil, making it both hearty and sophisticated.
Tips for this recipe
To achieve a smooth soup texture, ensure that you puree the white beans thoroughly in your blender. Patience is key when simmering; allowing flavors to meld over several hours enhances taste significantly. For best results, use high-quality chicken stock or broth for depth of flavor and consider making your own using homegrown ingredients.
Why you will love this recipe
This White Bean Soup with Chive Oil is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The velvety texture of the beans, complemented by earthy herbs and creamy topping, makes every spoonful delightful. Its simplicity and comforting nature make it a versatile favorite that can cater to both casual family meals and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups dried Great Northern or other small white beans, rinsed and picked over
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
1 large tomato, halved, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
8 garlic cloves, chopped
11 cups homemade chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth, or more as needed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup half-and-half
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Adviced equipments
– Blender for pureeing ingredients like white beans to create a smooth soup texture.
– Slow Cooker for simmering soups over several hours, enhancing flavors and convenience.
– Dutch Oven for stovetop cooking of the soup base with even heat distribution.
– Immersion Blender (Stick Blender) for directly blending soup ingredients in the pot without transferring.
– Food Storage Containers for portioning and storing leftovers, ensuring freshness.
– Measuring Cups & Spoons for precise measurement of ingredients.
– Stirring Spatula for stirring soup while it cooks to ensure even cooking.
– Colander (Sieve) for rinsing beans and draining excess liquid from vegetables before adding them to the soup.
– Ladle for serving the soup into bowls with ease, ensuring consistent portion sizes.
– Mixing Bowls for combining ingredients together prior to cooking or preparing a base sauce if desired.
– Kitchen Scissors for cutting herbs like chives finely and easily before adding them into the dish.
History of the recipe
The roots of White Bean Soup with Chive Oil trace back to rustic, peasant cooking where simplicity reigned supreme. It reflects a time when kitchen pantries were filled with beans, herbs, and oils that could sustain families through winter months. This recipe has evolved into a cherished comfort food over generations while retaining its soulful essence.
fun facts about this recipe
1. White beans are incredibly versatile and have been cultivated for thousands of years, offering nutritional benefits like protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
2. The practice of drizzling dishes with a flavorful oil has ancient origins and serves to enhance the overall taste profile while adding visual appeal. Chives, in particular, have been used for their flavoring properties since at least Roman times.
3. The tradition of soup-making often brings families together; it is not only about nourishment but also communion and sharing. In many cultures, soups are the centerpiece of family gatherings around the table.
4. Homemade broths are a hallmark of this recipe’s authenticity—it speaks to the value placed on quality ingredients over convenience foods in traditional cooking practices.