This Tunisian inspired recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of North Africa with the wholesome goodness of green beans. The base of the soup is a hearty mix of couscous, vegetables, and spices, while the green beans add freshness and a delightful crunch. This recipe is perfect for those seeking an adventurous take on a classic soup.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are probably already in your pantry, but if not, they're easily available at your local supermarket. The one ingredient that may need a special mention is couscous. Couscous is a type of North African semolina in granules made from crushed durum wheat. It's widely available in the international section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Tunisian Green Bean Soup
Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing the vegetables and couscous.
Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.
Couscous: Adds texture and absorbs the flavors of the soup.
Zucchini: Adds a soft texture and mild flavor.
Potato: Gives body and thickness to the soup.
Green Beans: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
Tomato Puree: Gives depth of flavor and a hint of acidity.
Ground Coriander: Adds a warm, nutty flavor.
Red Chile Powder: Provides a spicy kick.
Ground Cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Milk: Gives the soup a creamy texture.
One reader, Doralyn Rizzo says:
This Tunisian green bean soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices and fresh veggies creates a burst of flavors that's simply irresistible. The creamy texture from the milk adds a delightful touch. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Cooking Techniques for Tunisian Green Bean Soup
How to prepare the couscous: In a bowl, pour the couscous and add an equal amount of boiling water or broth. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
How to chop the vegetables: Wash and peel the zucchini, potato, green beans, and carrots. Cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
How to simmer the soup: Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
How to stir in the milk: Gradually pour the milk into the soup while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure the milk is fully incorporated before serving.
How To Make Tunisian Soup With Green Beans
Have a hearty Tunisian soup recipe for your weeknight family dinner made with flavorful herbs and spices cooked together for a filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspbutter
- 1onion,chopped
- 1cupcouscous
- 8cupswater
- 2zucchini,chopped
- 1potato,chopped
- 20green beans,chopped
- 2carrots,chopped
- 2tbsptomato puree
- ½tspground coriander
- ½tspred chile powder
- ½tspground cumin
- ¼tspsalt
- ½cupmilk
Instructions
-
Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent for about 5 minutes. Mix in couscous; cook and stir until browned for about 5 minutes.
-
Stir in water, zucchini, potato, green beans, carrots, tomato puree, coriander, chile powder, cumin, and salt; bring to a boil.
-
Simmer until tender for about 20 minutes. Stir in milk.
Nutrition
- Calories: 374.45kcal
- Fat: 13.49g
- Saturated Fat: 7.22g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.14g
- Carbohydrates: 51.07g
- Fiber: 6.30g
- Sugar: 17.14g
- Protein: 14.71g
- Cholesterol: 34.58mg
- Sodium: 1780.25mg
- Calcium: 370.15mg
- Potassium: 953.32mg
- Iron: 3.43mg
- Vitamin A: 369.29µg
- Vitamin C: 24.69mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Tunisian Green Bean Soup
When preparing the green beans for this soup, it's best to trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes the soup easier to eat, but also allows the beans to cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Additionally, when adding the milk, make sure the soup has cooled slightly. This prevents the milk from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your Tunisian green bean soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and spices in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables, saving time and effort.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process.
Simmer smart: Use a pressure cooker or instant pot to speed up the simmering process and reduce cooking time.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch and freezing individual portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Tunisian Soup With Green Beans Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a similar richness and flavor to the soup as butter, while also making it a healthier option.
couscous - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free alternative to couscous and provides a similar texture and nutty flavor.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water can enhance the flavor of the soup and add more depth to the dish.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini, providing a similar texture and mild flavor to the soup.
potato - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potatoes can add a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color to the soup, while also providing additional nutrients.
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can be used as a substitute for green beans, offering a similar crisp texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor to the soup.
tomato puree - Substitute with roasted red pepper puree: Roasted red pepper puree can add a smoky and sweet flavor to the soup, similar to tomato puree.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom can add a warm, citrusy flavor to the soup, similar to coriander but with a slightly different aromatic profile.
red chile powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a similar level of heat and a smoky flavor to the soup, while also adding a vibrant color.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can add a warm and earthy flavor to the soup, similar to cumin but with a slightly different spice profile.
salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a substitute for salt, adding a savory and umami flavor to the soup while also being gluten-free.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, while also making it a dairy-free option.
Presentation Tips for Serving Tunisian Green Bean Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Tunisian green bean soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and flavor by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped mint or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of color to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the soup. This not only adds a luxurious sheen to the dish but also imparts a rich, savory flavor that complements the earthy notes of the soup.
Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread such as baguette or ciabatta. Slicing the bread and arranging it neatly on the side adds a touch of rustic charm to the presentation.
Use contrasting textures: Consider adding a crunchy element to the presentation, such as a small handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts. This provides a delightful textural contrast to the smoothness of the soup.
Incorporate a touch of heat: For a sophisticated touch, sprinkle a pinch of sumac or Aleppo pepper over the soup. This not only adds a subtle heat but also introduces a layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
Consider elegant tableware: Choose elegant and refined tableware to serve the soup. Opt for fine porcelain bowls or artisanal ceramic dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.
Add a citrus twist: Before serving, grate a hint of lemon zest over the soup. The bright, citrusy aroma will tantalize the senses and add a refreshing note to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tunisian Green Bean Soup
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Pot: A cooking vessel typically used for boiling, stewing, or making soups.
Wooden spoon: A utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving various dishes.
Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Soup ladle: A large spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup or other liquids.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of vegetables and fruits.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, or cooking small quantities of food.
Immersion blender: A handheld blending device used for blending and pureeing ingredients directly in the cooking pot or container.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Tunisian Green Bean Soup
- Allow the Tunisian green bean soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the soup:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- Frozen Tunisian green bean soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the soup:
- For refrigerated soup, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For frozen soup, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
- Once thawed, transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little water or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, cumin, or red chile powder if needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Tunisian Green Bean Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover Tunisian green bean soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without scorching or losing its texture.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Immersion blender method: if your leftover soup has become too thick or the vegetables have settled to the bottom, use an immersion blender to puree the soup while reheating it on the stovetop. This will help to redistribute the flavors and create a smooth, creamy texture. Be sure to blend the soup in short bursts to avoid overheating and splattering.
Interesting Trivia About Tunisian Cuisine
Tunisian green bean soup is a traditional dish in Tunisian cuisine, often enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a nutritious and filling soup that is popular for breaking the fast.
Budget-Friendly: Making Tunisian Green Bean Soup at Home
This Tunisian green bean soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household, as it primarily uses affordable and readily available ingredients such as green beans, zucchini, potato, carrots, and couscous. The addition of spices and tomato puree enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. Overall Verdict: 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Is Tunisian Green Bean Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Tunisian green bean soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that incorporates a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and spices. The inclusion of green beans, zucchini, potato, and carrots provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of couscous adds a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates, while the milk contributes some protein and calcium to the dish. The spices used, such as coriander, cumin, and red chile powder, not only add flavor but also have potential health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil, to decrease the saturated fat content
- Consider using low-fat or plant-based milk to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to couscous to boost the nutrient density and fiber content of the soup
- Add a source of lean protein, such as chickpeas or lentils, to make the soup more satiating and balanced
- Adjust the salt content according to individual needs and preferences, as excessive sodium intake can have negative health implications
Editor's Opinion on the Flavors of Tunisian Green Bean Soup
The Tunisian green bean soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of couscous, vegetables, and spices creates a hearty and aromatic soup that is both satisfying and nutritious. The use of coriander, cumin, and chile powder adds a delightful warmth to the dish, while the addition of milk brings a creamy richness. This recipe is a wonderful representation of Tunisian cuisine and is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal.
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