WHITE BEAN + TOMATILLO SOUP
TOMATILLOS
Tomatillos may look like green tomatoes but this small fruit has its own identity and is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Best known for their vibrant green color and tart flavor, each tomatillo begins covered in a paper-like husk. As the tomatillo grows, it fills the husk and when ready will cause it to split open. This delicious and versatile fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
HERE ARE 5 HEALTH BENEFITS THAT CAN COME WITH EATING TOMATILLOS:
1. Tomatillos contain a high level of fiber, that can help to improve digestion! One cup of tomatillos contains 2.6 grams of fiber-- this accounts for 10% of the daily fiber needs for women and 7% for men.
2. Tomatillos contain unique antioxidant phytochemicals that have been linked to anti-cancer properties. Studies discovered that naturally occurring phytochemical compounds called withanolides, such as Ixocarpalactone-A, are found in tomatillos and are not only antibacterial but also natural cancer fighters-- effective against breast cancer, leukemia, cancer of the esophagus, melanomas, thyroid cancer, pancreas cancer, and some brain tumors.
3. Tomatillos have plenty of Vitamin C-- they actually contain 20% of the daily recommended value. The Vitamin C found in tomatillos stimulates the production of white blood cells to help boost the immune system.
4. Tomatillos contain a derivative of Vitamin A call beta-carotene, that functions as an antioxidant and helps protect vision. Beta-Carotene has been linked to preventing macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions that can have a negative effect on one’s vision.
5. Tomatillos contain Niacin, a member of the B-family of vitamins that can give you a burst of energy! Niacin is used by our bodies to create chemical reactions that convert food into energy and keep our metabolisms functioning properly.
Information gathered from: https://salsaology.com/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-tomatillos
WHITE BEAN + TOMATILLO SOUP
Bright, flavorful and healthy, this easy white bean and tomatillo soup is simple, full of flavor and ready in about 40 minutes!
Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 - 6 1x
Category: Soup, Entree
Method: saute, simmer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Diet: Vegan
INGREDIENTS
Scale
1 lb. dry northern beans or 3 cans (15 oz) cannellini beans or navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil or 1/4 cup water/broth for water saute
1 white onion, diced
2 – 3 garlic cloves, diced
1 1/2 lb. tomatillos (about 11–13), husks removed, washed and quartered or cut into 6 pieces
1 – 2 jalapeno, seeds removed and diced
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or water/broth combo)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
mineral salt, to taste
pinch or two red pepper flakes (I like it for a little color)
To serve, optional
chopped cilantro
avocado
lime wedges
sliced radishes
corn or flour tortillas (organic tortilla chips would be great too)
INSTRUCTIONS
Beans: If using dried beans, wash and pick through removing any unsightly beans or pebbles. Soak beans overnight or quick soak them according to package directions. Drain and rinse beans well. Place in a medium size bowl until ready to use. If using canned beans go to the next step and add the drained and rinsed canned beans as called for below.
Tomatillos: Prepare your tomatillos by removing the husks and washing them well to remove any of the sticky residue. Chop into quarters or six pieces depending on the size of your fruits. Cut and remove seeds from your jalapeno, and dice. Dice your onion and garlic.
Saute + Simmer: In a large pot, heat oil over medium high heat, add onion, saute for 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, tomatillos, jalapeno, cumin, coriander, and a pinch or two of salt, saute another 5 minutes. Add in the beans and liquids, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours (90 – 120 minutes), or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. If using canned beans, cook for 20 – 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.
Serve: Ladle soup into individual bowls and serve with diced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges and tortillas.
Serves 4 generously or 6 small portions
Notes
Make this fat free by opting to add all the ingredients to the pot without sauteing the vegetables in oil. I did this on my first batch of this soup and it was still very delicious without any added oils.
I used canned beans for the recipe shown, but have made this many times using dried northern beans. If you have the time I recommend using dried beans.
Add more cumin if you like, or none at all. I just wanted a hint of the spice, but if you’re a cumin lover by all means add more to your liking.
Add 1 can of corn (drained) to the soup to make it even heartier. Even corn fresh of the cob would be great. It will add a touch of sweetness and more color.
This soup could also benefit from a dollop of Lime Cilantro Cashew Cream
Recipe from: https://simple-veganista.com/white-bean-tomatillo-soup/print/8835/