Speedy Mediterranean Eating

If you are like me you love Mediterranean food.  It’s a good thing because in my family it is on the menu all the time.  My last name is Greek although I am not of Greek heritage. However my husband says that being married to him has made me Greek.  Whatever that means.   Mediterranean food tastes great and is great for you.  The other reason why I like it is that it is easy and quick to make.  As you know soup is often on the menu in my house and Greek White Bean Soup – Fassolada (pronounced Fatholada) is one of our favourites.

Why is Greek White Bean Soup – Fassolada- so good?

So why is Mediterranean cooking so good for you? It certainly is very popular and has been forever (correction – for as long as I can remember!) so what is it that makes it so good? The Mayo Clinic in the US tells us that ‘While there is no single definition of the Mediterranean diet, it is typically high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nut and seeds, and olive oil.’ Meat, chicken and fish and dairy are consumed in moderate portions and not necessarily daily.  The result of focusing on vegetables and fruit are that people following such a regime are more likely to have a lower incidence of heart disease.

Researchers first discovered this in the 1960s when they realised people living in countries like Greece and Italy were less likely to suffer from coronary problems. The Mayo Clinic goes on to say that the Mediterranean diet is one intended to be shared with family and friends making it even more a positive experience that is also beneficial to your health.

The Essence of Mediterranean Goodness

Fassolada is the essence of Mediterranean goodness.  Basically it is vegetables and legumes combined together as a wonderful plant based soup.  It is easy and quick to prepare.  The soup can be completely vegan if you use vegetable stock and omit the cheese rind.  I love including the cheese rind as I think it adds extra depth of flavour but it is still beautiful without it. If you haven’t tried Fassolada already, give it a go.  Its mellow flavours are pleasing to all age groups in my family. From my 10 year old to my 80+ year old mother, Greek White Bean Soup – Fassolada is loved by all in my circle.  It is delicious and you will want to make it often. And remember it is super good for you too!

A beautiful Mediterranean soup laden with vegetables and legumes.

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Greek White Bean Soup - Fassolada

A mediterranean soup laden with the goodness of vegetables and legumes. Easy and speedy to prepare.

Course Soup

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword Greek White Bean Soup - Fassolada

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 8

Author Jane Georgiades

Ingredients

• 1 lge leek carefully washed and sliced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 sticks celery sliced
• 2 400g tins diced tomatoes
• 2 400g tins cannellini beans (or same quantity, dried and soaked)
• 2 potatoes diced (optional)
• 1 rind only from 250g of grana padano or parmesan cheese optional but delicious if using
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1-2 tbsp oregano dried

Instructions

1. Gently fry the leeks, carrots and celery in a little oil in a large stock pot. When the leek has started to soften add the cannellini beans, diced potatoes and tomatoes. Then add the cheese rind. Pour in the hot stock and bring the soup to the boil. Turn the heat to medium and allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Season with salt and pepper if necessary and remove the cheese rind. Serve in generous bowls accompanied by with crusty bread. Yasou!