bohemianwanderer – Begin by heating a small amount of oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add one large diced onion, four cloves of minced garlic, and one small red chili sliced finely, or substitute with a pinch of dried chili flakes if preferred. Sprinkle a pinch of allspice over the vegetables. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes or until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Read More : Xiaomi Introduces Robot Vacuum Mop 5 Pro with Advanced Features
Next, add one large carrot, diced (or two smaller carrots), and one small potato, also diced. There’s no need to peel the vegetables, as the skins add flavor and nutrition. Toss in one sprig of fresh thyme or, if unavailable, one teaspoon of mixed dried herbs. Stir everything well to combine.
Pour in 1 liter of chicken stock or vegetable stock, depending on your preference. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
Meanwhile, prepare your kidney beans. Use 500 grams of soaked kidney beans by weight (or approximately two drained cans). Rinse the beans well under cold water to remove any excess salt or preservatives, then add them to the simmering soup. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients together.
Let the soup simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings. The kidney beans will soften during cooking and gradually break down, which will thicken the soup naturally. Simmering also allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a rich and comforting base for your meal.
Making Herb Dumplings and Final Touches
To make the dumplings, start by placing 100 grams of plain flour in a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning, then stir in fresh thyme leaves picked from a sprig or use about one teaspoon of mixed dried herbs. Mix the dry ingredients well. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and slowly add 50 to 60 milliliters of water. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough comes together into a stiff but pliable ball. It should be moist enough to hold its shape but not sticky or dry enough to crack.
Dust your hands with some flour and roll the dough into small balls roughly the size of a walnut. Gently drop each dumpling into the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. During this time, the dumplings will cook through and absorb some of the soup’s flavors. Simultaneously, many of the kidney beans will break down further, thickening the soup and enhancing its texture.
Read More : Perfectly Crispy Chicken Served with Zhoug and Jersey Royals
While the dumplings cook, fry two rashers of streaky bacon in a hot pan until they become crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the pan, break it into small pieces, and sprinkle them over the soup just before serving. This garnish adds a delicious salty crunch that balances the creamy soup perfectly.
This red bean soup with herb dumplings is a warm, hearty dish ideal for cold days. Its blend of spices, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon creates a layered and satisfying flavor profile. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and nourishing meal that’s sure to please family and friends alike.
