Part 4/8:
The mirepoix is sautéed until soft, and red pepper flakes can be added for those who favor a kick. After adding the soaked beans, six cups of water, salt, and pepper, a bouquet garni—a wrapped bundle of herbs—is introduced for added flavor. A special touch comes from mixing in "Better Than Bouillon," which elevates the broth.
Garlic is introduced later in the cooking process, accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil. Cooking this soup in the oven allows for deeper flavors and a creamier bean texture. Once everything is tender, the cooked garlic is squeezed into the soup, followed by a touch of miso for an extra layer of umami.
The result is a nourishing, intensely savory soup that is as heartwarming as it is satisfying.