Bean soup
A historical ingredient
The broad bean, also called "marsh bean", is an ingredient traditionally cultivated by the first North American settlers from the beginning of the 17th century. Its cultivation thrived in the favorable climates of Charlevoix and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, where it has maintained an important place in regional agriculture.
A nutritional treasure
Today, broad bean is still highly prized for its many nutritional benefits. Broad bean is an excellent source of fiber, with about 7g per 100g. It is also rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin C, while being low in fat. These qualities make it a healthy and nourishing food, ideal for preparing soups and comfort dishes.
Ease of storage
To make one cup of shelled fava beans, you'll need about a quart or a pound (500 g) of whole fava beans. They keep well in their pods for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, making them convenient for later use.
Here's a simple and tasty recipe for gourgane soup that will bring warmth and comfort to your table.
Summary | |
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🔍 Information | Details |
⏱️ Preparation time | 20 minutes |
🍳 Cooking time | 70 minutes |
⏲️ Total time | 90 minutes |
🔧 Difficulty level | Easy |
🍽️ Portions | 10 |
🔥 Calories (approximate) | 250 per serving |
Ingredients |
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Instructions |
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Questions and Answers about Fava Bean Soup
How to choose the best beans for this recipe?
For the best beans, choose ones that are firm and very green. Avoid beans that are blemished or soft, as this can be a sign that they are no longer fresh.
Can you use dried beans instead of fresh beans?
Yes, it is possible to use dried fava beans. However, it is important to soak them in water for about 8-12 hours before using them in the recipe to rehydrate them properly.
What is the best way to store shelled fava beans?
Shelled fava beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Be sure to blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes before freezing to preserve their texture and flavor.
Can other vegetables be added to this soup?
Absolutely, this recipe is very flexible. You can add other vegetables according to your tastes and what you have on hand. Leeks, zucchini or green beans can be good additions to this soup.
What accompaniments do you recommend with this soup?
The gourgane soup goes well with fresh bread or homemade croutons. You can also serve it with a green salad for a balanced and complete meal.
Can this soup be made in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors develop even more after sitting, which can make the soup even better the next day.
Can this soup be made vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the salt pork. For a vegan version, also make sure the vegetable broth is animal-free and add extra vegetables to enrich the flavor.