Hearty French Bean Medley Soup

French Market Bean Soup Recipe

Preparation Time: 12 hours
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 16 hours
Yield: Approximately 8 servings

Description:

During the chilly winter months, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of soup. This French Market Bean Soup recipe has been a cherished staple in many households, including ours. Originally received years ago, it has evolved over time to become a beloved tradition, especially during this season. Recently, it was a delightful surprise as a gift for teachers, packaged with the beans and a tiny bottle of Tabasco sauce, alongside the recipe itself. It was a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup dried black beans
• 1/3 cup garbanzo beans
• 1/3 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1/3 cup dried kidney beans
• 1/3 cup dried pinto beans
• 1/3 cup dried navy beans
• 1/3 cup dried lentils
• 1/3 cup lima beans
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup Tabasco sauce
• 6 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:

   • Wash and sort through the dried beans to remove any debris.
   • Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water, adding 1 tablespoon of salt. Allow to soak overnight.

2. Cook the Beans:

   • Drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly.
   • In a large soup pot, combine the soaked beans with 1 quart of water, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
   • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

   • Once the beans are tender, add the diced tomatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper, and Tabasco sauce to the pot.
   • Stir well to combine and simmer, uncovered, for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Incorporate Chicken and Sausage:

   • Add the sliced smoked sausage and pieces of chicken to the pot.
   • Cover the pot and continue to cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, about 30 to 45 minutes.

5. Final Steps:

   • About 10 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Skin and debone the chicken, then return the meat to the soup.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Stir in the reserved chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
   • Serve the French Market Bean Soup hot, accompanied by your favorite bread for dipping.

7. Storage and Freezing:

   • This soup freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or storing leftovers for future enjoyment.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 588.5
• Fat: 27.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 9.1g
• Cholesterol: 81.8mg
• Sodium: 2580.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 48.2g
  • Fiber: 13.7g
  • Sugars: 9.9g
• Protein: 37.6g

This French Market Bean Soup is not just a meal but a comforting experience that warms the soul on cold winter days. The blend of hearty beans, savory sausage, and tender chicken, enriched with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creates a robust and satisfying dish that will surely become a favorite in your household too. Whether shared as a thoughtful gift or enjoyed with loved ones around the dinner table, this soup promises to delight with every spoonful.