A batch of steaming hot green bean soup is a good way to take advantage of healthful green beans. Like most vegetables, green beans are low in calories and rich in nutrients. In addition, green beans contain vitamins A, C and K, as well as iron, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, folate and plenty of heart-healthy fiber. Serve green bean soup with a grilled cheese sandwich and fresh carrot and celery sticks for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Step 1
Place green beans in a large saucepan or kettle. Use 3 1/2 cups of frozen or fresh green beans, or two 14-oz. cans of green beans, drained. If you use fresh green beans, wash the beans thoroughly and remove the stems. Cut the beans into 1- to 2-inch pieces.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a skillet or frying pan. Add finely minced garlic and chopped onion until the garlic and onion are clear and soft.
Step 3
Stir in freshly ground black pepper, salt and seasonings to taste. Use seasonings such as parsley, basil, cilantro or oregano.
Step 4
Place the saucepan on medium heat and simmer the mixture until the green beans are tender when you poke them with a fork.
Step 5
Add water or chicken broth and cream of tomato or cream of mushroom soup. Stir in strips of chopped, cooked bacon or a slice of diced, cooked ham. Omit the bacon or ham if you prefer a meatless soup.
Step 6
Cook until the soup is hot. Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish the soup with grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Top with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Tips and Warnings
- For a richer, creamier soup, add 1/2 cup of sour cream, low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt along with the cream of tomato soup. If you have leftover cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots or potatoes in your refrigerator, feel free to add the vegetables to your green bean soup. Nearly any vegetable can be added. Omit the garlic and onion entirely if desired, or substitute garlic powder and onion salt to taste.
Things You'll Need
- Large saucepan or kettle
- 3 1/2 cups fresh, frozen green beans or 2 14-oz. cans green beans
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- Seasonings
- 3 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth
- 1 can of cream of tomato or cream of mushroom soup
- 2 or 3 strips of chopped, cooked bacon or a slice of diced, cooked ham
- 6 soup bowls
- Grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
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