Best Easy Caldo de Habas para Cuaresma Recipe

A hearty fava bean soup for Lent offers a warming, nutritious meat-free option. This vegetarian, high protein, healthy dish is a fresh, clean eats option for calorie deficit meals.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 240 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Dried fava beans 2 cups
  • Yellow potatoes 2 pieces
  • Carrot 1 piece
  • White onion 1 piece
  • Celery stalk 2 pieces
  • Tomato 2 pieces
  • Garlic cloves 3 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable broth 6 cups
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Cumin 0.5 tsp
  • Bay leaf 2 pieces
  • Chopped cilantro 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 63%
Protein 15 g 25%
Fat 4 g 12%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse and soak the dried fava beans overnight; drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat; sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add celery, carrot, and potatoes. Increase to medium heat and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Stir in chopped tomatoes, fava beans, and bay leaf, then pour in vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and simmer.

  5. 5

    Add salt, pepper, and cumin. Cover and cook for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and monitor tenderness.

  6. 6

    Once beans and vegetables are tender, remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning, stir in chopped cilantro, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes before serving hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is dried fava beans. They provide a distinct earthy flavor, hearty texture, and are the main protein source that defines the character of Caldo de Habas para Cuaresma.
Q. What heat control is important when simmering the soup?
After bringing the soup to a gentle boil, it's crucial to reduce the heat to low for a long, steady simmer. This prevents beans from breaking down or becoming mushy, ensuring everything cooks evenly and develops a rich flavor without scorching.
Q. How can I avoid mushy beans or undercooked vegetables?
Stirring every 15 minutes and monitoring tenderness helps prevent beans from sticking and overcooking, while allowing vegetables to cook through. Remove the bay leaves when beans are tender and adjust seasoning near the end for perfect texture.
Q. How many calories per serving, and what is the protein-to-carb ratio?
Each 300g serving contains 240 kcal, with 15g protein and 38g carbohydrates. The protein-to-carb ratio is about 0.4, with carbs accounting for 63% and protein 25% of total calories. This makes it a healthy, high-protein vegetarian meal.
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