Wednesday, December 15, 2010

QPC bean soup on the 2nd day of Christmas, Anyone?

My hubby is a big fan of bean soup and cornbread so we have it more often than most I would guess. However, I chanced a twist on it and surprised him by adding grilled capsicum, garlic and onions this time. If you have some left over ham after Christmas, I recommend that you give this recipe a go. The spicy, smoky flavor of the oven roasted aromatics as well as the small amount of bacon I use, is beautiful with the earthy, round flavors of the beans (whichever of them you use) and very pleasing to the palate. (As I am not an expert on this favorite American "comfort" food I have to believe it must be tasty when my #1 food critic asks for a second helping and makes mmmm sounds throughout the meal.)







Serving: 6
Ingredients:
500 gms dried mixed beans, wash and soak overnight
3 strips bacon, fried till crispy and break into small pieces
1 tsp bacon dripping from the pan
1 cup chopped parsley

(A)
6 cups water
250 gm left over ham
1 onions, cut into 6 parts and grilled
1 head garlic, grilled and sliced into strips
1 red capsicum, grilled and sliced into strips
1 green capsicum, grilled and sliced into strips
1 yellow capsicum, grilled and sliced into strips
1 stalks celery, diced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
½ cup curry leaves

(B)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cubes chicken bouillon, mashed
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Method:
Put (A) into the soup pot and bring to boil. Turn down heat to medium anmd let it simmer for 1 1/2 hours.  Add (B) and let boil for 15 min. Add crispy bacon and simmer for 30 more secs. Turn off heat. Fill soup bowls and add a few drop of bacon dripping to each bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot. My recommendation is to served with freshly baked corn bread.

19 comments:

  1. Me, I'm a big fan of bean soups too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Especially for cold days! Can imagine ham only makes this even better.

    ReplyDelete
  3. bean soup looks delicious and perfect for winter.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have made a note of this it looks wonderful. Diane

    ReplyDelete
  5. WOW, this looks soooo delish Ü Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You can always send a bowl to my place in The Netherlands. We love soup and eat it every day. Fresh. My wife is a great cook.

    Gretings,
    Filip

    ReplyDelete
  7. It seem that I've virtually being invited to your X'mas party, tasted all these mouth watering x'mas meals you have prepared.
    Thanks for the sumptuous meals :-)
    How did you get this vote for me foodbuzz widget? Given to featured blogger only?
    Hoping to get my way there too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great way to use up leftover ham, Quay Po. I also like your addition of capsicum. Lovely picture.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christine,
    I appreciate your visit and your comment. Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Swathi,
    I believe so. We don't have winter here but when we have a bowl of hot soup during rainy days, it is very comforting.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Diane,
    Do give me some feedback and suggestion for improvement.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Filip,
    You are a lucky guy to have a wife who is a good cook but what is your secret? How did you both keep yourself so trim? Ballroom dancing?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yin,
    I really wish I can invite you over for a real dinner someday when you return to visit. As regards to the "vote for me" widget, I just login into my Foodbuzz acct and at the bottom, select widget and you will see it there.

    ReplyDelete
  14. lequan,
    I am very pleased with myself for adding the grilled capsicum too. They adds a rich flavor to the soup.

    ReplyDelete
  15. denizdalya,
    Welcome to my blog and thanks for your comment.

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you. Your comments mean a lot to me. Thanks!