Chinese-style Bean Soup

Ingredients

In this Chinese adaptation of Ciorbă de fasole, we incorporate Chinese spices and seasonings to give the soup a distinct flavor profile. The original Romanian version typically uses ingredients like smoked pork, sour cream, and dill, whereas the Chinese-style Bean Soup replaces these with Chinese spices such as star anise, ginger, and soy sauce. The result is a fusion dish that combines the comforting elements of the original with the bold and aromatic flavors of Chinese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Ciorbă de fasole, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans 2 cups (400g) dried white beans
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried white beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the grated ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir for a minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked white beans to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick from the pot. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
6. 6.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chinese-style Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
• Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, during the cooking process.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the seasonings.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make for a delicious next-day lunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Bean Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal. Accompany the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Chinese-style Bean Soup, consider serving it in traditional Chinese ceramic bowls. The vibrant colors of the soup will pop against the neutral tones of the bowls, creating an inviting visual contrast. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for an extra touch of color and freshness.