Baltic Chicken Soup with White Beans

This deliciously hearty chicken and white bean soup captures the essence of comfort food with its rich and flavorful ingredients. Combining the mild taste of **boneless chicken** with the creamy texture of **white beans**, this dish provides a wholesome meal perfect for any season. The aromatic blend of **garlic**, **onions**, and **dried oregano** adds depth, while the red pepper gives it a hint of heat. A touch of **heavy cream** adds a soothing creaminess that complements the savory **chicken broth** base. The addition of **fresh green bell pepper** enhances its nutritional value and provides a vibrant color. Topped off with your choice of **parsley or cilantro**, this soup is as visually appealing as it is tasty, making it an exceptional choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, this soup is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 300 g boneless chicken
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 green bell pepper
• 200 g dried white beans
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

Spices:

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Garnish:

• Parsley or cilantro, finely chopped

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 60 minutes (with pre-soaking time for beans)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Soak the dried white beans in water for 7–10 hours to soften them. Drain, then transfer the beans to a pot with fresh water and cook for 30–40 minutes until tender. Keep a cup of the cooking liquid before draining.
2. Saute Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat, adding the red pepper flakes and oregano. Saute for 3 minutes.
3. Cook Vegetables and Chicken: Add the chopped green bell pepper and the cubed chicken to the pot. Stir frequently and cook for about 15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, reserved bean cooking liquid, and heavy cream. Introduce the cooked white beans into the pot, stirring to combine.
5. Season and Simmer: Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.

Tips

• Beans: Ensure beans are fully cooked and tender before adding salt, as salt can toughen their skin.
• Cream Alternative: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Cooking Oil: Olive oil or any neutral oil will work well in this recipe.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Spice Level: Increase or decrease the red pepper according to your preference for heat.
• Additional Vegetables: Consider adding carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast for added texture.
• Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.

Best Places

1. Cafe Savoy - A traditional atmosphere with excellent soups. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
2. Sopa Bar - Famous for innovative soup dishes and a cozy setting. Location: Carrer de Trafalgar 16, Barcelona, Spain.
3. Soup Kitchen - A casual spot known for diverse international soups. Location: 31 Kromstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
4. The Soup Store - Offers a daily-changing menu of hot soups. Location: 33 South Great Georges Street, Dublin, Ireland.
5. Daily Soup - Rustic vibe with a wide selection of soups. Location: 272 W Broadway, New York, USA.
6. Le Bouillon Chartier - Classic Parisian eatery with hearty soup selections. Location: 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris, France.
7. Soup and Sandwich - Offers a mix of traditional and contemporary soups. Location: 28 Kingly St, London, UK.
8. Robert's Caffe - Known for homemade-style soups in charming settings. Location: Krizanke 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
9. Supra - A gourmet soup restaurant. Location: Avenida Tulum, Cancún, Mexico.
10. The Broth House - Specializes in diverse soup recipes. Location: Talstrasse 37, Zurich, Switzerland.