Maple baked bean soup is a delightful and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of beans, maple syrup, and a medley of vegetables. This recipe draws inspiration from the classic baked beans, a beloved staple in North American cuisine. Baked beans have a long history in the region, with roots tracing back to Native American and Colonial times. The combination of beans and maple syrup pays homage to the indigenous traditions of using maple sap and syrup as a sweetener and flavor enhancer.
The flavor profile of maple baked bean soup is a harmonious blend of sweetness from the maple syrup and the earthy, comforting taste of beans. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a robust and satisfying soup. The addition of aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, carrots, and celery adds depth and texture, while smoked paprika and dried thyme provide a subtle smokiness and herbal undertones.
This soup has gained popularity due to its warm and comforting nature, making it a popular choice during colder months. It’s often enjoyed as a nourishing meal on its own or paired with crusty bread or a side salad. The sweetness of the maple syrup adds a unique twist to the traditional bean soup, making it a crowd-pleaser among both adults and children.
Furthermore, maple baked bean soup showcases the versatility of maple syrup in savory dishes. While maple syrup is commonly associated with pancakes and waffles, it shines in this soup by imparting a distinct and natural sweetness that balances the savory elements. This combination of flavors creates a delightful contrast that elevates the overall taste experience.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting homemade meal or an impressive dish to serve guests, maple baked bean soup is a flavorful option that pays homage to regional culinary traditions while offering a delightful twist. Its hearty and satisfying nature, coupled with the unique sweetness of maple syrup, is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Canadian maple bean soup
Ingredients
- – 2 cups dried navy beans
- – 6 cups water
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil
- – 1 onion diced
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 2 carrots diced
- – 2 celery stalks diced
- – 4 cups vegetable broth
- – 1 cup pure maple syrup
- – 1/4 cup tomato paste
- – 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- – 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Rinse the navy beans and remove any debris. Place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the cooked navy beans, vegetable broth, maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or transfer a portion of it to a blender and blend until desired consistency.
- Serve the maple baked bean soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
