EASY LEMON ROSEMARY WHITE BEAN SOUP

Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed recipe for Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup, along with some information about its history and components.

History:
Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is a delightful and flavorful soup that combines the earthiness of white beans with the bright and aromatic flavors of lemon and rosemary. While there isn’t a specific historical origin attributed to this soup, it draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, which often feature these ingredients in their dishes.

Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

• 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), soaked overnight and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

2. Add the soaked and drained white beans to the pot. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, add the rosemary sprigs, and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. You may need to add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick during cooking.

5. Once the beans are tender, remove the rosemary sprigs. Use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender to puree until smooth. Be careful when blending hot soup.

6. Return the pureed soup to the pot, and then add the lemon zest and juice. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice and zest if desired.

8. Serve the Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a slice of lemon if desired.

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare this soup is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including the soaking time for the beans. It’s a labor of love that yields a rich and comforting bowl of soup with layers of flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup! It’s a perfect blend of richness and zestiness, ideal for any occasion.

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for a serving of Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup (approximately 1 cup, when the recipe is divided into 6 servings):

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Vitamin D: 0%
• Calcium: 8%
• Iron: 18%
• Potassium: 20%

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: This soup is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

2. Low in Saturated Fat: The soup contains minimal saturated fat, which is good for heart health.

3. High in Dietary Fiber: With 10g of dietary fiber per serving, this soup is an excellent source of fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.

4. Good Source of Protein: Each serving provides 10g of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

5. Rich in Iron: The soup is a good source of iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the body.

6. Low in Cholesterol: This soup is cholesterol-free, which is beneficial for heart health.

7. Moderate Sodium Content: While the sodium content is moderate, individuals on a low-sodium diet may want to adjust the amount of salt used in the recipe.

8. Vitamins and Minerals: The soup contains essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and potassium, which are important for bone health and maintaining proper bodily functions.

9. Plant-Based: This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth.

10. Health Benefits: The combination of white beans, lemon, and rosemary provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. White beans are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, while lemon adds vitamin C and a refreshing flavor. Rosemary not only enhances the taste but also has potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember that actual nutritional values may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s a nutritious and flavorful soup that can be part of a balanced diet.