Smoky Tofu & Bean Soup
A vegan version of ham and bean soup with sweet, smoky, salty, and chewy tofu bites topping the soup.
A vegan version of ham and bean soup with sweet, smoky, salty, and chewy tofu bites topping the soup.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 small bits)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced into rounds)
- 2 ribs of celery (chopped)
- 6 cups vegetable broth ( (1 1/2 litres))
- 2 19oz cans navy beans (4 cups) (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ((or to taste))
- Carbohydrate 28.4426243054912 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.47684543444067 g
- Fiber 6.799693507282 g
- Protein 8.05314412335863 g
- Saturated Fat 0.366667404079396 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (381g)
- Sodium 90.0231851269415 mg
- Sugar 21.6429307982092 g
- Trans Fat 0.366229183187385 g
- Calories 148 calories
Step-by-step
- For the tofu: Preheat your oven to 325F (170C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke. Add the tofu pieces and toss so that all of the tofu is covered in sauce.
- Spread the tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet with any remaining sauce.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stopping to flip every now and then until the tofu is golden brown and a bit chewy. Some of the sauce from the tofu may burn on the pan, just scrape it off with a spatula and continue baking as needed.
- For the soup: In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic and sauté until the veggies start to get tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add in all of the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with several pieces of smoky tofu each.
A Cozy Bowl of Smoky Tofu & Bean Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights often involve juggling school pick-ups, homework, and work deadlines. But I’ve learned that even amidst the chaos, a warm, nourishing bowl of soup can be a comforting and surprisingly simple solution. This Smoky Tofu & Bean Soup is my go-to recipe when I need a quick, satisfying, and completely vegan meal that the whole family will love. It's hearty, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The smoky tofu topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy bean soup, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible. I love how the maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the salty soy sauce and smoky flavor of the tofu. This soup is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. You could also experiment with different types of beans – kidney beans, black beans, or even lentils would all work wonderfully.
One of the things I appreciate most about this soup is its ability to transport me. Even on the busiest days, a spoonful of this smoky goodness can whisk me away to a cozy kitchen, filled with the warm aroma of simmering vegetables and spices. It reminds me of simpler times, of slow afternoons spent with family, and of the comfort food that nourishes not just the body but the soul. It's a simple act of self-care, a moment to pause and appreciate the deliciousness of a well-made meal. For me, it's more than just soup – it's a moment of peace in the midst of a whirlwind.
Beyond the Recipe:
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a testament to the power of simple cooking and the importance of nourishing ourselves with wholesome, plant-based meals. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a hectic schedule, we can still find time to create something delicious and meaningful. The process of making this soup, from chopping vegetables to simmering the broth, is a mindful act, a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the simple pleasures of cooking.
And finally, the best part? Leftovers are even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner solution. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, I encourage you to try this recipe. It’s a delicious way to nourish your body and soul, one comforting spoonful at a time.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turned out. Happy cooking!
