Navy Bean Soup

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After the extreme temperatures of the past few weeks its finally warmed up here. It feels so nice to step out without the woollies. No concerns about the temperature outside. Its not too hot either. Just right for us to enjoy a stroll round the neighborhood and some play at the gazebo at any time of the day :).Well almost !. Knowing that this will not last long is all the more reason to enjoy it. Needless to say this does not leave enough time to make an elaborate meal. In times like these I like to make soup - glorious soup. 

 Like this curried navy bean soup.Spicy,filling and really quick to make. I usually make it in the rice cooker.

Curried Navy Bean Soup 

(Inspired from this recipe on ecurry.com)

1 C dried navy beans soaked overnight

1 onion chopped

2 medium carrots chopped

2 handfuls of spinach chopped (optional)

1 small tomato chopped ( or 2 tsp tomato paste )

1 tsp cumin seeds

3-4 garlic cloves

2 tsp red chilly flakes ( crushed dried red chillies can be used here)

1 tsp oregano

2 tsp cumin powder

2 tsp coriander powder

5-6 C vegetable stock(or use 3C stock and rest water)

pinch of pepper

salt to taste

• In a pan combine the olive oil and the cumin seeds. When the seeds sizzle add the ,red chilly flakes,garlic and the onion.Saute for 2 min till onion is soft and garlic is fragrant.
• Add the spinach,carrots, tomato and rest of the spices. Mix and continue cooking for 5-6 min.
• Then add the navy beans, stock/water. Check for seasoning. The stock is slightly salty so add the salt accordingly.
• Transfer to rice cooker set it uncovered in cook mode.When it comes to a boil then, set it to warm and cover. Leave alone for 1 hour at least. 
• The soup will continue to thicken so ensure that you have enough water in the rice cooker.
• Serve with crusty bread.

 We really look forward to a soup and bread meal. And this soup was very filling because of the protein in the beans. I was a doubtful if the beans would cook fast enough. But that wasn't a problem at all. They cooked in the spicy broth and absorbed all the great flavor. A perfect meal to take in that very last bit of winter.