| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 8g | 6g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 6g | 10g | 0.1g |
As both a lover of good food and a Miami native with a vibrant blend of Cuban-Spanish heritage, I can’t help but be swept away by the intoxicating aromas and flavors of this enticing dish. Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorites – the Dolichos Beans Soup. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its meaningful representation of my multicultural identity.
Originally from the tropics, Dolichos beans, also known as hyacinth beans, are the star of this dish. Its subtle taste is both comforting and familiar, like a summer holiday. But the real magic happens when these beans are slowed cooked and married with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple, banana, and peach.
The Health Benefits of Dolichos Beans Soup
This traditional soup is not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a bounty of nutritional benefits. Hyacinth beans are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber. These vitamins and minerals are essential for our immune system, bone health, and digestion. The added fruits provide additional fiber, as well as antioxidants that help to prevent the body against diseases, while the coconut milk adds healthy fats.
Diversity on a Plate
There are many variations to this delicious concoction, different cultures have appreciated hyacinth beans and incorporated them into their cuisine in various ways. A similar dish is the Baked Lima Bean Casserole, a vintage American home-cooking classic that also uses a sweetening element in the use of ketchup and brown sugar.
What I love most about this soup is its adaptability. You can easily serve it as a satisfying main dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. It’s light yet hearty and therefore, works perfectly with more robust flavors. For a complete meal, consider combining it with a Spanish omelette or a seafood paella.
This Dolichos Beans Soup plays a beautiful harmony of savory, sweet, and tropical notes that resonate with my Cuban roots and Spanish heritage. A true testament that it’s not just about the ingredients, it’s all about the heart and love you pour into the dish. So get into your kitchen and let your senses dance to the melodious tune of this charming Dolichos Bean Soup, and, as we say in Miami, “Disfruta!” (Enjoy!)
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups dolichos beans (also known as hyacinth beans), soaked overnight
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored and diced
- 1 large banana, peeled and diced
- 1 large peach, pitted and diced
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fruit slices of your choice for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
First, rinse the presoaked dolichos beans thoroughly under running water. Drain and set aside.
Step Two
Next, put the beans and 6 cups of water in a large pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the beans simmer until they’re tender. This typically takes about an hour, but may vary depending on the beans’ size and age.
Step Three
While the beans are cooking, prepare your fruits. Peel and core the apple, peel the banana and dice both into bite-sized pieces. Do the same with the peach, ensuring to remove its pit.
Step Four
After the beans have become tender, add the diced fruits to the pot. Also add in the sugar and the salt. Stir the mixture gently to dissolve the sugar and combine all the ingredients. Continue simmering the mixture for another 15 minutes.
Step Five
Pour in the cup of coconut milk and stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the soup cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and the flavours have melded together. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to taste if necessary.
Step Six
Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes. Dish out the soup into serving bowls, and garnish with additional fruit slices if you wish. Serve the dolichos beans soup warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Enjoy!
