Inspired by some beautiful heirloom cannellini beans I had in my pantry, I decided to combine them with the favas that are just about to disappear from markets and the green beans that will be around into the fall. I cook the favas and green beans separately and stir them into the soup a few minutes before serving so they’ll retain their bright green color.
Ingredients
- ½ pound (1 heaped cup) white beans, like navy beans or cannellini, washed, picked over and soaked overnight or for 6 hours
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, cut in half, half finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, 2 peeled, 4 minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- A bouquet garni made with a few sprigs each parsley and mint, and, if desired, a Parmesan rind
- ½ pound green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 pound fava beans, shelled and skinned
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
- Nutritional Information
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)
406 calories; 8 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 66 grams carbohydrates; 20 grams dietary fiber; 18 grams sugars; 23 grams protein; 55 milligrams sodium
Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
4 servings
Preparation
- Drain the white beans and combine with 7 cups water, the intact half of the onion, the 2 peeled garlic cloves and the bay leaf in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam that rises and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour, until the beans are just tender. Add salt to taste and freshly ground pepper.
- In a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion, carrot and celery. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes, and add the garlic and the red bell pepper. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beans with their liquid and the bouquet garni, and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 1 hour, until the beans and vegetables are tender and the broth is aromatic. Taste and adjust salt. Add freshly ground pepper.
- Meanwhile, rinse out the saucepan you started the beans in, fill halfway with water and bring to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water in the saucepan comes to a boil, add salt to taste and drop in the green beans. Boil 4 minutes, and then transfer the beans to the ice water without draining the pot, using a slotted spoon or strainer. Drain the beans and cut in 1-inch pieces. Bring the water in the saucepan back to a boil and shell and skin the favas.
- Shortly before serving the soup, stir in the chopped parsley and mint, add the green beans and skinned favas and simmer for a few minutes. Serve, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Advance preparation: The soup keeps for 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s best if you add the herbs, favas and green beans just before serving.
2 hours 30 minutes
Dining and Cooking