What's your hunger factor? Soup for the Soul...

The Irishman is known for his unique catchphrases, and one of my personal favorites is "What’s your hunger factor?" It's safe to say that whenever he poses this question, his stomach is likely growling, or he's already past the rumble stage of hunger and needs food in his belly immediately. Despite my food adventures and obsession with everything culinary, the Irishman and I typically only indulge in one hearty meal a day, whether hanging out together or not. It is not quite the healthiest way to traverse the planet, but we are working on adding at least one additional smaller meal to our day. Like everything else, it's a delicious work in progress. Baby steps, right?

So, when the Irishman starts to feel a bit peckish, he has a few trusty snacks that never fail to satisfy his hunger pangs. His go-to options? Chicken tenders or a comforting cup of soup, of course. Who can resist the allure of crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken tenders or a soul-soothing cup of soup? Not the Irishman, that's for sure.

During a recent game of darts at the Final Final, a beloved local haunt, the Irishman stumbled upon their chicken tenders and was blown away by how delicious they were. Now, he can't get enough of them. And let's not forget about the ice-cold Peroni on tap – the perfect accompaniment to his newfound obsession. Plus, he teaches me the art of darts while we indulge in our favorite snacks. Who knows, maybe one day I'll finally best the Irishman at his own game...

During a recent game of darts at the Final Final, a beloved local haunt, the Irishman stumbled upon their chicken tenders and was blown away by how delicious they were. Now, he can't get enough of them. And let's not forget about the ice-cold Peroni on tap – the perfect accompaniment to his newfound obsession. Plus, he teaches me the art of darts while we indulge in our favorite snacks. Who knows, maybe one day I'll finally best the Irishman at his own game...

Now, let's talk about soup. Why do we love it so much? Well, let me count the ways. Soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. It's like a taste of home in every spoonful. It has this amazing ability to heal both the body and the soul. Whenever we're feeling down or under the weather, a bowl of soup never fails to lift our spirits. It's like a little bowl of happiness in liquid form.

In our never-ending quest for simplicity and peace in our chaotic lives, I truly believe that soup can transport us back to when things were slower, more deliberate, and filled with care and effort.

I am excited to share my delicious White Bean Soup recipe today. The best part about this recipe is that it calls for ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. And if not, feel free to get creative and use whatever you have. That's the beauty of soup - it's forgiving and adaptable. So, take some time to whip up a pot of this hearty soup. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.

White Bean Soup

1 pound dried white cannellini beans (I use dried, but you can use canned)

(If using dried beans, place the beans in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and set aside for at least 8 hours, overnight if you can.)

2 14oz cans of white cannellini beans, drained.

Olive oil

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

3 leeks, white and green parts chopped

2 yellow onions chopped

4 carrots chopped

4 parsnips chopped

4 stalks of celery chopped

8 – 10 cloves garlic chopped

2 stalks fresh rosemary

Small bunch of fresh thyme

2 fresh bay leaves

8 – 10 cups good chicken or vegetable stock ( I make my own)

Salt and Pepper

Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to your favorite soup pot (Le Creuset has always been my go-to), add the bacon, and sauté until crisp.

Add the leeks, onions, carrots, parsnips, celery and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté vegetables on medium-low for about 10 minutes. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and sauté for another 5 minutes if you want tender vegetables. Drain the beans and mix with the vegetables. Add the stock of choice to cover, taste, and season as needed. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer covered for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. Soup is done when beans are tender. Remove the herbs and bay leaves and allow to rest for a bit. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more stock. I usually add more stock when I reheat the following day.

I have added chicken and a swirl of pesto or a crouton with cheese, like you would find in an onion soup, which is also delicious. Use your imagination and have fun with it don’t forget to soothe your soul…

Bia maith leat.  Bon Appetit. Spis godt