Creamy String Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups string beans, cut in half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the vegetable broth and string beans and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer until the string beans are tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream and parsley.
7. Serve warm.

Interesting Facts

• String beans are a member of the legume family.
• String beans are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
• String beans are low in calories and fat.
• String beans can be cooked in a variety of ways, from steaming to sautéing.