Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion , finely diced
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 large carrot , grated
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon sweet paprika ( or Chilean aji de color )
2 cans white beans ( Great Northern or Cannellini are best )
2 cups water ( or as much as desired according to your liking of thickness of soup )
2 boxes frozen squash
salt , to taste
kielbasa ( optional ) or other sausage ( optional )
Chilean Bean Soup, or Porotos Granados as it is called in Chile, is a popular dish commonly eaten during the summer months. This soup is traditionally made with fresh white corn and pumpkin, but this version replaces those ingredients with canned white beans and frozen squash for convenience. The soup is flavored with aromatic spices like dried oregano and sweet paprika (or Chilean aji de color), which give it a savory and slightly spicy taste. It's a great meal to enjoy on cold nights when you're craving something warm and satisfying. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for an extra crunch!

Instructions

1.Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2.Add the diced onion and saute for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
3.Add the minced garlic, grated carrot, dried oregano, and sweet paprika (or Chilean aji de color) to the pot and stir well.
4.Rinse and drain the canned white beans and add them to the pot along with the 2 cups of water.
5.Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6.In a separate pot, boil the frozen squash according to the package instructions.
7.Once the squash is cooked, add it to the pot of soup.
8.If desired, slice the kielbasa or other sausage and add it to the soup.
9.Ready to serve, add salt to taste.

PROS

Chilean Bean Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm you up on cold nights.
It’s packed with protein and fiber from the white beans, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
The soup is also relatively low in fat and calories compared to other hearty meals like stews or casseroles.

CONS

The soup can be quite thick depending on how much water you decide to add.
If you prefer a thinner soup, you may need to add more water.
Additionally, the soup may be too spicy for some palates depending on the amount of sweet paprika (or Chilean aji de color) used.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chilean Bean Soup is a healthy meal that provides a variety of nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The white beans used in the soup are an excellent source of plant-based protein that can help build and repair muscle. Additionally, fiber in the beans can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. The sweet paprika (or Chilean aji de color) used in the soup contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may have health benefits like reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.