Today, we celebrate National Bean Day! According to National Day, Bean Day is a nod to geneticist Gregor Mendel, who discovered the basics of heredity by conducting experiments on bean plants in his garden. Mendel died on Jan. 6, 1884, and Bean Day is a way to honor his memory.

Bean Day is also a great reason to try new bean recipes! Beans such as kidney, pinto and white beans are an excellent source of fiber, which supports good health. Soluble fiber in beans can help reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood. It may also slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels, possibly lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Beans are a plant-based protein. Depending on the kind of bean, one-half cup of cooked beans contains just over 100 calories and around 5 to 9 grams of protein. Proteins are the building blocks for many parts of our body including organs, muscles, hair, nails and skin.

And what could be better on a cold day than a hot cup of bean soup? Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for white bean soup that offers warm comfort, rich flavor and all the health benefits of beans.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth

• 2 cups frozen chopped sweet potatoes, thawed

• 2 cups frozen chopped collard greens, thawed

• 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 3 medium stalks celery, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 6 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt-free garlic-and-herb seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine broth, sweet potatoes, collard greens, beans, onion, celery, lemon juice, garlic, garlic-and-herb seasoning, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook, undisturbed, until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Stir in cream. Bring to a simmer, uncovered, over medium heat; simmer for 5 minutes. Divide among six bowls. Top with Parmesan.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 257; Fat: 6g; Carbs: 41g; Protein: 13g

Recipe Card for 20-Minute White Bean Soup

Source: EatingWell